AIDS: Do's and Dont's

dos

You cannot get HIV by interacting with an HIV+ person. So behave with them as you had done earlier. There are many ways in which you can help out.

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How you can help:

· Do not discriminate against an HIV+ person. As stigma is the main effect of the disease, do not alienate them for being
· Provide support - as a part of the family or as a friend.
· Do not hinder them at their workplace. As long as they are physically fit, they can continue their usual schedules.
· Try to reduce their stress.
· Urge them to continue to their usual exercise regimen.
· If you play a role in looking after food, try to ensure a high protein ands vitamin diet.
· Encourage them to consult doctors and follow the prescribed treatment.
· Register them with a AIDS care facility.
· Discourage them from experimenting with recreational drugs or indulging in addictions like tobacco.
· Use disinfectants and dispose bandages carefully.
· Encourage safe sex ie usage of condoms, even if both partners are HIV+.
· Educate others about how to deal with HIV+ individuals. Especially for those in close proximity or related to HIV+ people.
· Help fight discrimination by others eg family, workplaces, hospitals and other health care centres.
· Get HIV+ people to join support groups.
· Ensure that HIV orphans are taken care off.

Avoid these:
· Do not discriminate, social death is the worst that can happen.
· Do not make them feel guilty. Do not humiliate - there is nothing shameful about being HIV+.
· Do not probe into areas like when or where they got infected.
· Do not isolate them, either at home or at workplace.
· Do not share razors or toothbrushes.
· Do not share any other object where stains of blood or saliva of the infected person remain.
· Do not rush into various forms of therapy. Take proper medical guidance.
· Do not insist on repeated tests for HIV. There is no cure for AIDS yet.