An epidemic that has affected many individuals throughout the world since the 80’s, HIV and AIDS, is indeed a health crisis in the world today. More importantly, it is also a very difficult disease to deal with as the sufferer, their loved ones, for the community as a whole. The number of new HIV infections continues to climb, but we can take comfort in the fact that the disease is preventable, and those who do get infected can live longer and happier than ever before, thanks to newer drugs and treatments.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), and it attacks the immune system, destroying cells that help our bodies fight infections.
Staying “safe” is accomplished through education; the Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that one million Americans are living with HIV, although 24-27% of those people may not be aware of their status.
The virus is passed when an infected person’s bodily fluids (blood, semen, vaginal secretions) enter the body of an uninfected person. This most commonly occurs during unsafe sexual intercourse, or by sharing needles for intravenous drug use. Mothers can pass the disease to their children through pregnancy, delivery and breast-feeding. Also, anyone who had a blood transfusion before hospitals started specifically screening for HIV may be at risk.
Anyone can contract HIV; it is a disease that has affected all cultures, colors and lifestyles without discrimination. The best way to avoid infection is to always use condoms correctly during sex, knowing the status of your partner as well as yourself, and to abstaining from sharing injection needles.
The disease cannot be spread by living with, touching, sleeping next to, or sharing food with an infected person. Casual contact poses absolutely no threat of exposure.
Many people have attached a negative stigma to HIV/AIDS out of ignorance, and those infected have faced a bigotry that is completely absent from other diseases, like cancer. An unfortunate and unnecessary side effect of this is that those who become infected may hide their status from their friends or family. As time goes by and people become more educated, this behavior has started to diminish, and more and more people are living openly with the disease, and getting the care and support that they need.
If you or someone you love is infected with HIV/AIDS, there are many support groups to look into, and literature to read. A long, healthy life is still possible with the right treatment. Talk to your doctor about what you should plan for, and with your friends and family for assistance.
