The HIV/AIDS pandemic is into its third decade. Over 5 million people in India are currently infected with HIV. This accounts for nearly 10% of the global HIV burden and the highest in the World after South Africa. According to UNAIDS, every 7 out of 1000 adults in India are HIV positive. While most of the infected persons are unaware of their positive status, a good number of them tend to ignore the reality till the last moment due to lack of knowledge or fear or stigma. National, state and grassroots level NGOs played an active role in creating awareness and educating the communities. However all these efforts could not stop a faster growth of the epidemic in many parts of the country, resulting into grim future for the affected persons and their families.

HIV is Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Aperson infected with HIV is medically known as HIV positive person. Only a blood test can establish one's HIV status. HIV virus lives on human cells and is found only in human beings. However, this does not mean that the person is suffering from AIDS.

AIDS stands for Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome. This syndrome results from the breakdown of immune system in human body, which results in the body falling prey to host of infections and diseases. AIDS is not a single disease but a syndrome - a set of signs and symptoms, which results from the destruction of the body's defences by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus - HIV.

There is no cure for AIDS, but medical treatments can slow down the rate at which HIV weakens the immune system. As with other diseases, early detection offers more options for treatment and preventing complications.

The term AIDS refers to an advanced stage of HIV infection , when the immune system has sustained substantial damage. Not everyone who has HIV infection develops AIDS.

• Through unprotected sexual relation.
  
  
• Through tranfusion of HIV infected blood.
  
  
• Through using un-sterilized needles & syringes.
  
  
• From HIV infected mother to new born child.

• Hugging
  
  
• Embracing
  
  
• Shaking hands
  
  
• Toilet sharing
  
  
• Coughing
  
  
• Sharing utensils
  
  
• Sleeping in the same bed
  
  
• Mosquito bite

• Everybody be informed and inform others
  
  
• Safe sex practices - avoid unprotected sex, avoid multiple partner sex,
  
  
• Avoid blood transfusion in case of one unit, take blood from a licensed blood bank make sure that the blood has the stamp of "HIV Free" on it.
  
  
• By using disposable or sterilized needles and syringes
  
  
• Contact the nearest PPTCT centre for preventing parent to child transmission of HIV

• Prophylactic treatment
  
  
• There is treatment for the opportunistic infections
  
  
• Anti Retroviral Therapy (ART)

In spite of the HIV infection a person can lead a normal life like any other person in the Society. To do so simply follow as below:

• Get up early in the morning before sun rises
  
• Take bath every day, if possible twice
  
• Drink only boiled & cooled water
  
• Take food on time
  
• Take hot & freshly cooked food only
  
• Avoid outside food
  
• Take sprouted pulses
  
• Take fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables (lots of green vegetables)
  
• Take a glass of milk every day (if possible)
  
• Take one egg every day (if possible)
  
• Think positive always
  
• Keep your house and surroundings clean
  
• Maintain personal hygiene
  
• Take precaution to prevent STI and opportunistic infections
  
• In case of any opportunistic infections or STI, get treated immediately
  
• If you have loose motion, cough and fever immediately consult your doctor
  
• Do simple exercise, if possible meditation for 20 minutes in the morning
  
• Make use of the counseling facility
  
• Be part of support groups