It was my first, hopefully not the last. Tell me what you think.
HIV?
We have all heard about it. We all know about it (well most
of us do), and we all know how dangerous it is. HIV is one of the most
dangerous diseases known to mankind, mostly because there is no known cure. As
there currently are about 40 million people infected with HIV, this is a pretty
big problem. The infection rate amongst gay men is steadily decreasing (guess
we finally learned something :P) but it is still present. In the meantime, the
HIV infection rate in heterosexuals is rising. Rising fast. But what am I
saying, we all know that HIV is out there, and we all know how to protect
ourselves, right?
“If you really love me, you would take off that condom” How many of you have
ever heard that? Obviously barebacking is more personal and way more pleasurable,
but does that give you the excuse? Barebacking amongst gay men (or anally
active heteros:P) is the activity which has the highest risk of HIV
transmission. It’s not that blowjob that you give to your neighbor, it’s anal
sex.
Now that we’re talking about blowjobs. It has a far lower risk of HIV
transmission, that is if you’re not one of those nasties who swallow. I won’t
debate on the practice, but swallowing is very dangerous. So please try to
refrain from it.
Ok. We all knew that as well. But lets say that you did contract HIV. You did
have unprotected sex that one time with that hot guy. It only takes one single
microscopic virus to do the trick. So what is your next step? You have HIV,
what do you do? Wait for AIDS to come?
Nope, everyone with a logical sense would go to the doctor. In developed
countries AIDS-blockers are relatively easy to come by, and probably even
covered by your insurance. The arrival of effective blockers have been a
godsend to many. These blockers can significantly prolong the third
(asymptomatic) phase of the HIV infection. A regular third phase usually
stretches from 1-7 years, but now, when effective measures are employed (e.g.
the blockers), the asymptomatic phase can be stretched to three times as long,
21 years. There have even been cases of people dying a natural death, several
years after contracting HIV.
What does this all mean? HIV/AIDS used to be one of the most feared diseases.
Nowadays (to some) it is being regarded as something as commonplace as asthma. Something
that they can live with. Which is true, but it still runs a risk of infecting
others. A weird thing about HIV is that it affects everyone differently. You
might last for many years in the asymptomatic phase, but your neighbor might
not even last 6 months. Even with AIDS-blockers.
This euphemism of HIV is a troubling phenomenon and should be dealt with
quickly before we all just see HIV as some other flu-like disease. I’m talking
about ad-campaigns or anything of the sort. We all have the awareness, but do
we actually comprehend the situation? HIV is still being spread while there are
effective countermeasures, even in developed countries. And to make a
difference, you need to start with yourself. If you plan on being monogamous in
your relationship, that doesn’t mean that your partner is too. Make sure you
know what you’re doing. But then again, if you do contract HIV, that doesn’t
mean you’re gonna die. Or does it?
