Human Immunodeficiency Virus and You
HIV is a deadly virus that kills thousand yearly. HIV positive does not mean you have AIDS though, it just means you have been exposed to the virus, which means you have to work harder to keep yourself healthier.
HIV is not something you cannot tell you have unless you have been tested; the same goes for those you date and engaged in sexual acts. Unless you are tested for HIV, you do not know your status. HIV is a disease where there is an attack on your immune system. Your immune system is what keeps you healthy. The body’s white cells are invaded by the virus, causing the immune system to break down, which ultimately leaves the patient open to a infections and cancers. Which is usually what kills them over time.
The two main way of to prevent getting HIV infected, is always using condoms during vaginal, anal, or oral sex; and avoid using a used needle or syringe. Sometimes these practices are uncomfortable or unnatural, during sex, but unless you know your partner for a long time, and have been tested, it is not worth the risk. If you insist on using someone else needle, your playing with your life, saving a few dollars is not worth a death sentence. If you like to get tattoos, make sure that the instruments, and needles are clean and sterilized, after each usage since this can also be a way of transmitting HIV.
Women who test positive for HIV and are pregnant, run the risk of passing this onto their newborn; it is suggested that HIV moms not breastfeed, to further reduce the risk. There is the hope that transmission can be reduced by drug treatment during pregnancy.
When people need blood transfusions there is generally nothing to worry about, since the blood goes through many careful screening processes. Unfortunately the virus takes about three months or longer to show up in screenings, which means even if the blood shows negative during the process, the antibodies are not present yet. This is more so the case when the donor recently acquired the virus, and they too are unaware they have been infected.
People who are in the medical field are at a high risk of being infected since they handle blood and body fluids; they are however trained on how to deal with blood taking and handling body fluids. Most wear latex gloves to protect them and you from getting infected.
*********If you are allergic to latex be sure to let the staff know*********
Liked it
