Safe Sex vs HIV/AIDS MCQs Quiz | Class 10

Understanding Safe Sex and HIV/AIDS: Key Learnings

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) are significant health topics globally, and understanding them is crucial for public health and individual well-being. This section provides a detailed overview of HIV transmission, prevention strategies, and the importance of awareness.

1. Basics of HIV Transmission

HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If not treated, it can lead to AIDS. HIV is primarily transmitted through certain bodily fluids from a person with HIV who has a detectable viral load. These fluids include:

• Blood: Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment.
• Semen (pre-cum, cum): During unprotected anal or vaginal sex.
• Pre-seminal fluid: During unprotected anal or vaginal sex.
• Rectal fluids: During unprotected anal sex.
• Vaginal fluids: During unprotected vaginal sex.
• Breast milk: From an HIV-positive mother to her child during breastfeeding.

It is important to understand that HIV is NOT transmitted through casual contact such as:

2. Prevention Strategies

Preventing HIV transmission involves adopting safe practices and making informed choices:

• Safe Sex Practices:
  • Condoms: Consistent and correct use of male or female condoms during sexual intercourse significantly reduces the risk of HIV and other STIs.
  • Abstinence: Not having sex is the only 100% effective way to prevent sexual transmission.
  • Monogamy with an HIV-negative partner: If both partners are tested and confirmed HIV-negative and remain mutually monogamous.
• Avoiding Needle Sharing: Never share needles, syringes, or any drug injection equipment.
• HIV Testing and Treatment:
  • Get Tested: Regular HIV testing, especially for sexually active individuals, is vital to know one’s status.
  • Antiretroviral Therapy (ART): For people living with HIV, ART can reduce the viral load to an undetectable level, meaning they cannot sexually transmit HIV (Undetectable = Untransmittable or U=U).
  • Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): HIV-negative individuals at high risk can take PrEP medication daily to prevent HIV infection.
  • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Can be taken within 72 hours after potential exposure to HIV to prevent infection.

3. Importance of Awareness and Education

Awareness plays a crucial role in combating HIV/AIDS. Education helps:

• Reduce Stigma: Understanding the facts about HIV transmission helps reduce discrimination against people living with HIV.
• Promote Testing: Increased awareness encourages more people to get tested, facilitating early diagnosis and treatment.
• Empower Individuals: Knowledge about prevention methods empowers individuals to protect themselves and others.

Quick Revision Points

• HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system, leading to AIDS.
• Primary transmission routes are unprotected sex, sharing needles, and mother-to-child.
• HIV is NOT transmitted through casual contact, air, water, or insect bites.
• Condoms are highly effective in preventing sexual transmission of HIV when used correctly.
• ART helps people with HIV live healthy lives and prevents further transmission.
• Regular testing and awareness campaigns are crucial for prevention and control.

Practice Questions (For Self-Assessment)

1. Explain how HIV affects the human immune system.
2. List three ways HIV can be transmitted from one person to another.
3. What are two essential safe sex practices for HIV prevention?
4. Why is it important to know your HIV status?
5. Briefly describe the concept of ‘Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)’.