world aids day
33,000,000 people around the world are living with hiv/aids
the disease has become a 3rd world disease. more and more it’s forgotten about or ignored in the developed world. yet, hiv/aids infection rates are dramatically up in the united states and europe. condom/safe sex apathy is rampant.
the fact of the matter is yes, there drugs available which make the disease much more controllable. but those drugs are not without their own cost. side effects include:
- anemia
- bone problems
- gastrointestinal problems
- heart disease
- fatigue
- lipoathrophy (wasting)
- insomnia
- hypersensitivity reaction
- kidney problems
- lactic acidosis
- metabolic complications
- liver problems
- neuropathy
- pancreatitis
- sexual dysfunction
it is important now more than ever that we all do our part in ending this disease. there are 3 things i am personally asking everyone who reads my blog to do:
- remember those that we have lost in this fight and those who are currently fighting
- get tested. know your status and actively protect yourself and others. ignorance is not bliss (nor is it an excuse)
- do whatever you can in the fight against hiv/aids:
- give your time
- give your money
- wear a condom
- don’t share needles
- call your congressmen and demand more funding for scientific research
but most of all, don’t forget.
Tags: hiv/aids, world aids day
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December 1, 2008 at 8:45 am
Thx for this post. Most people seem to think they don’t “need” to be tested. That’s a dangerous repression. There are many stigmas around HIV based on sexuality, race and class that are perhaps stronger now than ever before.
Silence=death. Talk about HIV!!
December 1, 2008 at 9:48 am
Another thing people need to keep in mind is that the drugs stop working for some people.
We need to fight for a cure.
December 1, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I can never understand the “I don’t want to get tested because I don’t want to know” mentality that people have, about anything. Honestly, if you have any suspicions about your health seek a professional opinion before the damage is too severe. And to anyone who is having unprotected sex, stop. It may not be a problem now, but that could all change and in the long run it wont just be yourself who gets hurt.
December 1, 2008 at 3:47 pm
[...] Strange Relationship [...]
December 1, 2008 at 6:10 pm
I’ve been living with HIV for over 25 years. I’ve had 5 out of those 15 side-effects from the various medications I’ve taken over the years.
I encourage all of my friends to get tested on a regular basis. How can you make an informed decision about your life if you don’t have all the information? Get tested people!