c. Live Virus Inoculation. Military personnel require a variety of inoculations to
help keep the fighting force physically fit in other parts of the world. Those inoculations
are sometimes given with needles and syringes. Couldn't either of those be
contaminated? (This is unlikely since usually both needles and syringes come
packaged and sterilized, and neither are reused.)
3-11. PREVENTION
Follow these guidelines to reduce the risk of becoming infected with the human
immunodeficiency virus and subsequently developing AIDS:
a. Avoid sexual contact with those at risk:
(1)
Prostitutes.
(2)
Drug users.
(3)
Homosexuals.
(4)
Bisexuals.
(5)
Promiscuous individuals.
NOTE:
The use of condoms made of latex has been shown to be an effective barrier
against HIV. Condoms made of animal membrane, however, have not
provided protection against HIV.
b. Limit the number of sexual partners.
NOTE:
Women who are HIV infected or think they may be HIV infected should be
cautioned to avoid pregnancy because they can transmit the virus to their
unborn child.
3-12. PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS
At this time, an individual diagnosed as having AIDS faces not only the trauma of
having a fatal illness but also the possibility that he will lose his job, family, and friends.
The patient needs help in dealing with not only physical problems but also the collapse
of his economic and social life. People with AIDS have some common concerns, some
of which include the following:
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