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HIV can also be
spread by sharing contaminated needles and syringes, as in injecting
drugs, as well as from an infected mother to her child during
pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding. KEEP TO ONE SEX
PARTNER The best way to
protect against HIV and AIDS is to keep to one faithful sex partner.
Men should not visit prostitutes, who carry a high risk of having
HIV, and from whom they might get the virus and pass it on to their
wives or girlfriends. It is the same with casual sex. You cannot
tell who is infected by looking at them. When you travel to other
countries, remember that even very young prostitutes can carry the
disease. One sex act can ruin your life and your family's as well.
If you have sex with more than one sex partner, use a condom. It is
not 100% safe, but if used correctly, it reduces the risk of HIV and
other sexually-transmitted diseases. EDUCATE YOUR PARTNER Tell your partner
about HIV and AIDS. AVOID EXCESSIVE
ALCOHOL Drinking too much
alcohol impairs your ability to think clearly and you may regret
your actions. All it takes is just one sexual encounter with an
infected person to get HIV. USE ONLY DISPOSABLE
OR STERILE NEEDLES Do not inject
drugs. If you do, use only disposable needles. Do not share needles
or syringes. Go only to reliable operators for acupuncture,
body-piercing or tattooing. Make sure they use sterile equipment. CHECK IF YOU ARE
UNSURE If you or your
partner may have been exposed to HIV, go for an HIV test at any
private clinic or polyclinic. All results are totally confidential. The HIV test
detects anti-HIV antibodies in the blood, which are produced 2 - 12
weeks after HIV infection. This means that although the person feels
well, he or she is already infectious to others and should inform
their previous sex partners to get tested as well. A negative test
does not rule out HIV infection. A repeat test 3 months after the
first will confirm the result. A negative test does not mean that
you are immune to HIV or protected from future infection. There is no
cure for HIV infection or AIDS. The medicines that
are used are for treating the many diseases and cancers that AIDS
patients develop, as well as to try to slow down the spread of HIV
in one's body. But these only prolong one's lifespan and suffering.
Until a cure or a vaccine is developed, the best way is to take no
chances and spare no cost to protect yourself from HIV. AIDS HELPLINES 24-hour AIDS &
STD Helpline: (65) 254 1611 DSC Clinic: (65)
252 1324 (personal counselling) AIDS Info &
Counselling: (65) 254 0212 (by Action for Aids) Tue/Thu/Fri:
6.30pm - 9.30pm Source: The Health
Educator, National Health Education Dept
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