“A death sentence, for an act that takes an hour or less to commit?” A rather rhetorical question, but one I tend to ask myself when thinking of HIV/AIDS. Since its discovery in the 1980′s it’s rapidly evolved into a global epidemic that has become one of the greatest threats to human health and development, yet one that we know so little about. This disease has taken a severe toll on multiple communities in the United States; bearing the heaviest burden on African-Americans, gay and bisexual men of all races, and Latinos. Still ignorant to this epidemic because you think you are not susceptible to it, makes you a major part of the problem NOT the solution. Understanding the implications that surround this disease is vital in preventing yourself from catching it, as well as to pass on knowledge to others who put themselves at risk.
1. WHAT IS IT?
H.uman I.mmunodeficiency V.irus better known as, HIV is much like other viruses you may be familiar with, such as those that cause the common cold. However, HIV is different because the immune system can never fully get rid of it. The virus hides in the immune system and other cells in the body. HIV causes significant damage to the immune system, leaving it open to other dangerous infections. Fluids known to contain high concentrations of HIV include:blood, semen, breast milk, vaginal fluids, and rectal mucous. Transmission of these bodily fluids from one person to another can cause infection. Certain types of behavior carry a higher risk of HIV transmission than others. People particularly vulnerable to HIV include injecting drug users, prostitutes, and gay/bisexual men. In many people’s minds, HIV and AIDS are closely linked with these groups, which can lead to even greater prejudice against people already treated as outsiders. Yet the majority of HIV infections are transmitted through sex between men and women. Nearly half of all adults living with HIV are female. HIV can enter the body through: cuts & sores, the mouth that has bleeding gums or sores, needles (syringes), opening of the penis, the lining of the vagina and/or cervix, and the lining of the anus or rectum.
A.cquired I.mmune D.eficiency S.yndrome, also known as AIDS, is the last stage of HIV infection. People at this stage of HIV disease are vulnerable to other infections. When someone has one or more specific infections, certain cancers, or a very low number of T-cells, the person is considered to have AIDS. A person with AIDS requires medical intervention and treatment to prevent death.
2. HOW CLOSELY DOES “THIS” EFFECT YOU?
WRAP IT UP!
In 2007, statistics showed the largest percentage of diagnosed HIV/AIDS patients were African-Americans representing 51% of cases. The AVERT website stated, “In 2007, the District of Columbia reported a far higher rate of AIDS diagnoses than any other area (though the rate in the wider ‘DMV’ area was surpassed by other metropolitan areas). A 2009 local government report found that DC had a HIV prevalence rate of 3%, including figures as high as 7.2% for 40-49 year old’s, and 6.5% for black men.” Despite Examiner.com‘s stats that the overall numbers have declined significantly, it is still an astounding percentage! It proves our communities unfortunate carelessness involving unsafe sex and drug usage (the 2 most common ways of catching the virus).
3. SO…WHAT CAN YOU DO? AIDS Memorial Quilt on the Nat' Mall in Wash., DC in 1987
December marks HIV/AIDS Awareness Month. Although, December 1st was National World’s Aids Day, we should still continue to spread the word NOT the disease, by GETTING TESTED! It really is that simple. The rapid HIV test can produce results within 20 minutes of taking the test. Its uses either your blood sample or oral fluids. It’s easy to use and does not require laboratory facilities or highly trained staff. Please also be aware that there is a “window period” after you take a HIV test. Which is a period of time between HIV infection and the production of antibodies. During this time, an antibody test may give a ‘false negative’ result, which means the test will be negative, even though a person is infected. *To avoid false negative results, antibody tests are recommended six months after potential exposure to HIV infection. If an individual’s test is still negative after six months, and they have not been at risk of HIV infection, it means they are not infected.
Again, we all must do more—as individuals, communities, and as a nation—to expand the reach of effective prevention efforts to those at risk and stop the spread of HIV.
Visit these sites for more Info.
www.thebody.com
www.joinred.com
www.avert.org
