Even With Condoms, You Can Still Contact Aids
There is a false picture being painted in the media globally about the effectiveness of condom in checking the spread of the dreaded disease called HIV/AIDS. This has led many youths and even adults into promiscuity, with the belief that with condom in their pockets, they are safe from HIV/AIDS, which is the mother of all sexually transmitted diseases. People are now going into sexual immorality with reckless abandon, not knowing that condom is not 100% guarantee for the prevention of this disease. The truth is that condoms are not the key for the prevention of AIDS.
The only solution to this scourge is total abstinence, or being faithful to your partner. Also, total avoidance of unscreened blood during transfusion, avoiding the use of unsterilized syringe and sharp objects should not be negotiated if we want to be free from HIV/AIDS. People should not use the same tooth brush, nail cutter, the same brassier or even the same pant. People should be careful about the type of toilet system they use. These are, to the best of my knowledge, the best way to spread the message of HIV/AIDS prevention, and not to be advertising condom. Even the manufacturers of these condoms have equally affirmed that the use of condoms during sexual intercourse is not a full guarantee against the infections of Read the rest of this entry »
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HIV Symptoms and When to Get Tested
There is a common misconception among many people these days that HIV home tests are unnecessary for them. While some people still believe that the disease only exists among prostitutes, homosexuals, and IV drug users, the HIV statistics prove that people of any age, race, sexual preference, or lifestyle can contract the disease. While sexual intercourse is by far the most common means of transmission, any contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person can result in transmitting the illness. It is very important to understand that anyone who is sexually active or comes into contact with the bodily fluids of others is at risk of developing HIV.
Another common misconception among many is that HIV testing is only needed if you begin to show symptoms of being sick. While HIV does have numerous symptoms, it is important to know that many people do not show HIV symptoms at all for months or even years. While diseases such as herpes and gonorrhea have specific symptoms, HIV is an immune deficiency, which means that its main effect is that it makes people more susceptible to other illnesses. For this reason, people who are HIV positive often think that a cold or flu is often a symptom only of itself and miss being diagnosed altogether.
In most cases, the early development of HIV is entirely symptom free. People who do show HIV/ AIDS symptoms during this stage often mistake them for the flu, as a fever, muscle pain, and swollen lymph glands are the most common effects. Later symptoms of the disease can range from chronic diarrhea to sudden weight loss, sores on the mouth and skin, rashes, exhaustion, and sweating as well as chronic yeast infections. Because all of these symptoms can also be found with other illnesses, it is important to undergo regular HIV testing to ensure that your status is negative. When diagnosed early, many people can live remarkably long and healthy lives with HIV.
HIV becomes detectable anywhere from a few weeks to a few months after transmission. As the disease begins to spread within the body, the immune system will begin to develop antibodies. The presence of these antibodies is what allows a diagnosis to be made by doctors. While they often develop within a few weeks, it is important to be tested for at least a year after contact with someone who is positive and to get tested regularly if you are sexually active or are exposed to bodily fluids. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: hiv aids symptoms, hiv and aidsRelated posts
Stop AIDS: Keep the Promise – Accountability
The title of this article is, incidentally, this year’s World Aids Day theme. This theme is designed to inspire citizens across the world to hold their political leaders accountable for the promises they have made on AIDS.
Here in Africa, our leaders have helped set up so many Aids-related funds, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organisations) and institutions. For that, and myriad more, we laud them. But there is still so much that has to be done for our people and to our people.
The HIV prevalence rates are growing grimmer by the day.
According to UNAIDS estimates, there are now 39.5 million people living with HIV, including 2.3 million children, and during 2006 some 4.3 million people became newly infected with the virus.
It is estimated that around half of all people who become infected with HIV do so before they are 25 and die of AIDS before they are 35. (The sixty-four-thousand dollar question: how many of our youth can boast of a HIV free status?)
If these statistics are anything to go by, then our leaders should devote more of their time, energy and resources in addressing the Aids scourge and come up with better ways of combating the spread of the disease.
Our leaders should borrow a leaf from Senator Obama, if they must. The said US Senator took an HIV test in full public view when he visited Kenya sometime this year.
If our leaders decide to take a similar a stand, it will help accentuate (to the citizenry) the importance of knowing one’s HIV status so that one can take better charge of life.
The line would run something like this: Mr. ***, my Member of Parliament, took a HIV test last week. This is two weeks after the president took such a test too. Therefore, it is equally important for me to know my status! .
The destinies of our nations are greatly hinged on our leaders’ decisions, attitudes, what they take seriously and whether or not they live up to what they proclaim. This is proof enough that they should be epitomes of moral perfection and integrity. Read the rest of this entry »
Tags: hiv aids prevention, hiv and aids