AIDS: what is more to combat within?

AIDS are an epidemic dilemma; it started way back in the 80’s when HIV/AIDS were publicly identified as a new communicable disease. Though the disease was seen as a disease of gay males for they were concluded as the first host, it spread rapidly from time on that anyone regardless of sex, age, cultural status and races can be infected easily with the disease. To refresh things up, AIDS (Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome) are a disease caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency virus). HIV is a pathological disease which is communicable; it is acquired through infected blood, contaminated instruments and prolonged contact with an infected person.  It attacks our immune system by rapidly entering our blood and replicating our white blood cells, which make it difficult for our immune system to recognize and destroy the virus that suppresses our immunity to infection. And since blood circulates all over the body it affects our major organs, which result to multiple organ failure then death follows.

However, there is more to this disease other than suffering from its symptoms alone, and that is the reactions of the people around. From the time HIV/ADIS was identified, this epidemic dilemma is accompanied by social responses like stigma, denial, fear and discrimination. For unlike sexual diseases like Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Herpes Zoster and more, HIV/AIDS from this present time don’t have a remedy. With this, it then brings fear to the people of such death that awaits to all if infected. For others, HIV/AIDS brought them compassion, solidarity and support, bringing out the best in people, their families and communities, but, we cannot deny the fact that it also brings negative responses. That it also associates stigma, repression and discrimination to the persons infected.

All around the world, persons living with HIV/AIDS faces many problems in their society. This includes not only the risk of losing the people close to them but also losing their reputation as an individual. Being treated differently likens one to an unwanted animal. Discrimination is the unfair treatment to these persons for they still are human beings like us. This happens because people are not knowledgeable enough of the virus—HIV. We know that we can easily be infected by such disease but in certain ways. Others may have the wrong understanding on how to acquire the virus that results to other forms of discrimination like; avoiding shaking of hands, sharing the same glass or plate and kissing. These acts cannot infect others with the virus but because a lot of people are still ignorant about the disease, it then leads to discrimination.

Another problem the infected people encounter is the unfairness towards their work, housing and education. Regarding their work, if ever an employer finds out an employee is taking medication for such disease; it will most likely result for the employee to be looking for another job. Although it deeply depends on what type of workplace the infected person is into, still it affects the working relationship with their workmates, which leads to harassment and results to discontinue working there. Same to those landlords that forbid HIV positive persons to rent their place and infected students who get kicked out of school for this reason.

We cannot allow this to progress any longer; we have to put a halt on this stigma and discrimination towards the AIDS victims. We have to change the attitude of the people’s view about AIDS, and we know that the root cause of such an act is because of lack of knowledge and understanding towards the disease. In short, people need to be educated. We cannot rely on the policy or law enforced in overcoming this negative act; it has to come out initially from us. People in the community must work together in doing such a task. We have to let everyone be aware of all the necessary things, there is to be done. For in doing so, we not only help the infected ones and the whole community but also ourselves.

This has nothing to do with being good or bad in doing such an act. This is all about education and changing our behavior towards it. The only way to stop the stigma and discrimination, aside from understanding the disease itself is when we see the HIV/AIDS people as a person like everyone else, with challenges to face, and hopes and dreams for the future.

AIDS: Transmission Facts and Myths

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a medical health condition characterized by a very weak immune system and its inability to fight infections. AIDS is caused by a virus called Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) that progressively attacks the immune system. The immune system functions as natural body defense against infectious bacteria and viruses. When the immune system damage caused by the HIV reaches a very weak stage to fend off infections, AIDS is said to have developed.

AIDS origin and how it developed in the human body is a subject of debates by medical scientist. Based on many studies HIV is actually an evolved form of SIV found in primate species. How SIV virus crossed to the human species and developed into HIV is still being studied, and many theories are put forward in attempt to solve this mystery.

AIDS is incurable. Although AIDS per se is not life threatening, it leaves the body open for opportunistic infections and diseases. These opportunistic infections take advantage of the opening offered by an undermined immune system. Although AIDS is incurable, antiretroviral treatments are available to inhibit or prolong the period from HIV infection to the inception of AIDS.

AIDS is considered a global epidemic. Since the first reported case of AIDS in humans in 1981, it claims 25 million lives or more. Based on World Heath Organization (WHO) AIDS statistics for 2007, there are 33 million cases in the world.

Region	HIV/AIDS Cases (in millions)
Sub-Saharan Africa	22.0
North Africa & Middle East	0.38
Asia	5
Oceania	0.074
Latin America	1.7
Caribbean	0.23
Eastern Europe & Central Asia	1.5
North America, Western & Central Europe	2.0
.

Due to the rising trend of AIDS cases in the world, global scale information and awareness drive are continuously undertaken to promote awareness to the general populace and to dispel disadvantageous and misleading misconceptions regarding the disease. Out of fear and ignorance, many myths are circulated on transmission of AIDS.

Since transmission is an important aspect of the AIDS prevention, it very important to be aware of how this disease is transferred and contacted. Here are the facts of AIDS transmission.

• Vaginal Sex – An infected person’s sexual fluids are found to contain HIV, which means seminal fluids of men and vaginal fluids of women during sex can contaminate and infect the sexual partner.
• Anal Sex – A higher risk of transmission is found on anal intercourse. Anal linings are found to be more delicate and prone to lacerations and damage during sex thus increasing the probability of HIV transmission. This is underscored by the fact that early reported AIDS in humans occurred on the gay populace where this is prevalent.
• Oral Sex – This transmission mode carries smaller risk of transmission. Seminal or vaginal fluids when enters the mouth can infect a person especially when gum and mouth sores are present.
• Injecting Drugs – This is a high-risk transmission mode prevalent on drug users. Sharing needles, syringes, and injections is considered an efficient way to transmit HIV than sexual intercourse.
• Mother-child transmission – Infected pregnant mothers transmit HIV on their unborn infants during pregnancy and delivery. Also, breastfeeding can transmit HIV on the child.
• Blood transfusions and products – This case is now very rare. Modern medical practice on blood transfusion utilizes a strict test to detect HIV and other diseases prior to these activities.
• Tattoos and piercing – This activity potentially allows blood transfusion on smaller amounts through tattoo and piercing equipments.

Transmission myths are circulated among the less-informed populace and promote unsolicited fear and panic. Among the prevalent myths about AIDS transmission are the following.

• Kissing – Is a well circulated myth on AIDS transmission. Truth is saliva does not contain HIV and that a generous quantity of virus is needed for such transmission to occur.
• Sharing Utensils, Sneezing, and coughing – It is important to be aware that the HIV virus cannot live outside its host like on the glasses, spoons, or utensils used by an infected person. Also HIV cannot survive on the air. These activities do not transmit HIV.
• Insects – Many studies show negative transmission chance on this mode. HIV cannot live on insects like mosquitoes.