As the proverb says it all “prevention is better than cure” same is the case with the HIV. As an individual once infected with HIV cannot be cured but HIV prevention plays an important role in this case. There are various ways of HIV transmission like:

• Unprotected sex
• Mother to her child
• Blood transfusion

It can be said that HIV prevention is only possible if we try to keep a check on the HIV transmission and use means so that the infection is not at all transmitted in the first place. The various ways in which the HIV prevention can be done for the above specified cases are:

• The very first requirement is that people should be made aware as to how HIV is transmitted and also making them aware of the problems and ruinous effects the HIV transmission is going to cause. As it is only when the people are aware that things can be prevented. For the same purpose of spreading awareness various programmes are being undertaken by schools, colleges and other institutions.
• The other way to prevent HIV from spreading is by counseling and testing. If a person infected with HIV knows that it is the case with him then instead of panicking he/she must be provided with proper guidance and counseling in order to encourage them to live their normal life and also to teach them as to how they should try their best in order to avoid the infection from further spreading to others. Also, if the tests are carried out then the presence of the infection can be known and proper treatment can be started.
• The third important aspect is use of the antiretroviral treatment. It plays an important role because it enables people with HIV infection to lead a healthier life.

The methods for HIV prevention are:
Preventing HIV infection from spreading due to sexual intercourse. The prevention can take place by following certain measures like:

• Delayed first sexual intercourse
• Being faithful towards one’s partner or having relation with fewer partners
• Using condom also gives protection and it may both a male as well a female condom.
• Talking broad mindedly about issues like sex and sexuality.

Preventing HIV infection from spreading through blood related transfer. HIV prevention for this should be done as:

• Screening of the blood samples before transfusion.
• Sterilizing needles before using for injecting if already used by some one who is infected with HIV.
• Sterilizing the equipments for tattoos and circumcision as they should be free from any kind of virus.

Preventing HIV infection from spreading from mother to child. HIV prevention for this should be done as:

• Avoiding unwanted pregnancy
• Having a cesarean section instead of normal delivery so that mixing of body fluids is avoided to a large extent
• Having the treatment of antiretroviral drugs
• Also trying not to breastfeed the child if other alternatives are available

If all these measures are taken into consideration then HIV infection can be controlled to an extent. As they say awareness is the only prevention for HIV so foremost it should be there, followed by the above stated methods in order to prevent ourselves from HIV.