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The Philippine Department of Health (DOH) Tuesday said new cases of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) rose by 19 percent in May this year. New cases recorded in January to May numbered 2,320, nearly 23 percent higher than the 1,892 cases reported last year, Xinhua reported. Of the new HIV cases recorded in May, DOH said 465 were infected through sexual contact while 30 were drug users who shared contaminated needles. DOH said 140 of those who were infected were aged between 15 to 24 years of age. According to the Philippine HIV and AIDS Registry, the total number of HIV cases has reached 18,863 since 1984. (Read: Coming soon an effective HIV vaccine?)
Which factors that increase your risk for HIV?
HIV/ AIDS has killed more than 25 million people in the past 3 decades. But the current statistics are much more frightening. It has been estimated that there are more than 34 million people all around the world living with HIV infection. One of the main reasons why HIV/AIDS is so widespread is the lack the knowledge about risk factors and transmission of HIV. This lack of knowledge is not restricted to people living in remote areas. The highly educated population also seem equally illiterate when it comes to HIV. Maybe in the future we could have a cure for HIV but until then knowing the risk factors is the best way to stay away from HIV.
1. Having unprotected sex: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the causative agent of AIDS, a disease that completely destroys the immune system of the body, making the infected person susceptible to several other diseases. HIV circulates throughout the body via the blood stream. It is also present in sexual fluids (semen and vaginal secretions). Therefore, the primary risk factor for acquiring the infection is having unprotected sex. This includes vaginal, oral as well as anal intercourse. The risk is highest in anal intercourse followed by vaginal and lastly oral intercourse.
2. Multiple sex partners: Having unprotected sex puts you at a risk of HIV but with multiple sex partners the risk almost doubles. Multiple sex partners increase your chances of having intercourse with an infected individual.
3. Other sexually transmitted infections: Not many people know that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like syphilis, herpes and gonorrhea increase the risk of contracting HIV. The risk of HIV in individuals earlier infected with an STD is 2-5 times more compared to a person without an STD. Studies suggest that sexually transmitted diseases cause certain changes in the genital tissues, increasing the susceptibility of HIV transmission. Read more about 9 factors that increase your risk for HIV
With inputs from IANS
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