World AIDS Day 2024

World AIDS Day 2024: World AIDS Day is crucial for raising awareness about HIV/AIDS, a condition that continues to impact millions worldwide.

World AIDS Day is observed annually on December 1st to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, show support for people living with HIV, and remember those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses.

It is a global initiative that encourages individuals, communities, and governments to take action in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

As well as understanding ways to reduce stigma associated with HIV.

Sex Toys and HIV

As HIV doesn’t survive for long outside the body, the chances of transmission from a sex toy used days ago are minimal. Use sex toys  with new, clean condoms for each partner, ensure toys are properly cleaned (toys cleaners) before use by the HIV-negative partner, they pose a negligible risk of transmission. But using the same condom with both partners is effectively the same as not using one at all.

It is also safer to use sex toys that are made out of non-porous materials, such as body-safe silicone, ABS plastic, glass, stainless steel, or stone. (Sex toys that are porous are made out of materials like jelly, PVC or rubber.) Sex toys should be cleaned (i.e. disinfected) after each use to not only prevent transmission of HIV and STIs, but other complications such as bacteria and fungal infections.

Understanding PrEP

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It’s a medicine that can help prevent HIV. Using PrEP can lower your chances of getting HIV from sex by up to 99%. 

Who Can Use PrEP

Anyone who is sexually active and doesn’t have HIV can use PrEP.  To find out if PrEP is right for you, talk to your nurse or doctor. You may choose to use PrEP if you: 

• Have had anal or vaginal sex in the last 6 months and:

  • Have a sexual partner who has HIV

  • Don’t regularly use condoms

  • Have been diagnosed with another STD within the last 6 months.

• Have shared needles, syringes, or other equipment to inject drugs in the last 6 months. 

• Have used PEP multiple times.

If you’re at high risk for HIV and you’re pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, PrEP may also help you and your baby avoid getting HIV.

PrEP isn’t the same thing as PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). PEP is a short-term treatment for people who’ve already been exposed to HIV within the past 72 hours. PrEP is generally an ongoing daily pill or bi-monthly shot for people who may be exposed to HIV in the future.

PeEP can be used in 3 different ways and are available at your local clinic or health care provider.

There are 3 ways you can use PrEP to help prevent HIV:

• A daily pill taken by mouth.
• A bi-monthly (every other month) shot:
  • When you start, you’ll receive 2 shots, 1 month apart. Then you’ll get 1 shot every 2 months from your nurse or doctor. 
• “On-Demand” PrEP:
  • You may be able to take oral PrEP only at times you’re at risk of getting HIV (also known as “event driven” or “non-daily” PrEP). Talk to your nurse or doctor to see if this may be right for you. 
  • This means taking 2 PrEP pills 2-24 hours before you have sex, 1 pill 24 hours after the first dose, and 1 pill 24 hours after the second dose. Also known as 2-1-1

Living with HIV

Know that you are not alone. There are many out there around the world living with HIV. 

Learn about sharing your status and ensure that your treatment is taken and living a healthy life and having healthy relationships.