Notes on AIDS and HIV
In 1981, scientists in the United States and France first recognized the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which was later found to be caused by a virus known as the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV breaks down the body's immunity to infections leading to AIDS. The virus can lie hidden in the body for as much as 10 years with out producing any obvious symptoms or before growing into the AIDS disease, and within the meantime the individual can unknowingly infect others. Currently, an estimated 40 million people worldwide are HIV carriers, and three million a yr are dying of AIDS.
HIV lives in white blood cells and is present in the sexual fluids of humans. It's tough to catch and is spread mostly by way of sexual activity, by needle or syringe sharing among intravenous drug users, in blood transfusions, and through being pregnant and birth (if the mom is infected). Using another person's razor blade or having your physique pierced or tattooed are additionally dangerous, but the HIV virus can't be transmitted by shaking fingers, kissing, cuddling, fondling, sneezing, cooking meals, or sharing consuming or drinking utensils. One can't be contaminated by saliva, sweat, tears, urine, or feces; toilet seats, telephones, swimming pools, or mosquito bites do not cause AIDS. Ostracizing a recognized AIDS victim shouldn't be solely immoral but also absurd.
Most blood banks now screen their products for HIV, and you'll protect yourself towards soiled needles by solely permitting an injection should you see the syringe taken out of a contemporary unopened pack. The best safeguard during intercourse is the right use of a latex condom. Unroll the condom onto the erect penis; while withdrawing after ejaculation, maintain onto the condom as you come out. By no means attempt to recycle a condom, and pack a provide with you, as it may be a nuisance making an attempt to purchase them on brief notice.
HIV is spread more usually via anal than vaginal intercourse, as a result of the lining of the rectum is far weaker than that of the vagina, and strange condoms sometimes tear when utilized in anal sex. When you've got anal sex, solely use extra-sturdy condoms and special water-based mostly lubricants, since oil, Vaseline, and cream weaken the rubber. Throughout oral sex you could make sure you do not get any semen or menstrual blood in your mouth. A lady runs 10 instances the chance of contracting AIDS from a man than the other way around, and the threat is at all times greater when another sexually transmitted disease (STD) is present.
The very existence of AIDS calls for a fundamental change in human behavior. No vaccine or drug exists that can stop or remedy AIDS, and since the virus mutates incessantly, no remedy may ever be completely effective. Other STDs similar to syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, and herpes are way more widespread than AIDS and may lead to critical problems equivalent to infertility, however not less than they will often be cured.
You must at all times follow secure sex to prevent AIDS and different STDs. You by no means know who is contaminated or even if you yourself have grow to be infected. It's essential to convey the topic up earlier than you begin to make love. Make a joke out of it by pulling out a condom and asking your new companion, "Say, are you aware what that is?" Or perhaps, "Your condom or mine?" Removed from being unromantic or embarrassing, you will each really feel more relaxed with the subject off your minds, and it is much better than worrying afterwards in case you might have been infected. The golden rule is safe sex or no sex.
An HIV an infection will be detected by a blood test, as a result of the antibodies created by the physique to battle off the virus could be seen underneath a microscope. It takes at the least three weeks for the antibodies to be produced and in some instances so long as six months before they can be picked up throughout a screening test. If you think you'll have run a risk, you need to discuss the appropriateness of a check with your doctor. It is always better to know in case you are infected so as to be able to avoid infecting others, to obtain early remedy of symptoms, and to make realistic plans. If you realize someone with AIDS, it is best to give them all the support you'll be able to (there is no danger in such contact until blood is present).