According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention, as of 2007, over 1.1 million Americans were living with a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS in the United States (over 33 million worldwide). An alarming number--especially for African Americans who make up nearly half (49%) of the cases in the United States, but only make up roughly 13% of the US population. It is now 2009, nearly 30 years since the first case of HIV/AIDs. What seems to be the problem? Did the black community not get the memo? As a people, we have no more excuses. The information and the resources are available, now the fear must be removed. The fear to address the issue in institutions that matter (i.e. school, church)…the fear of discussing sexuality…the fear to ask questions, and most importantly, the fear to get tested.
I feel like this is a time of crisis for the black community (re: HIV/AIDs). It is time to become responsible for our own cheap cialis and the cialis of our community. It is now necessary for us to learn how to talk about the problem. Despite the fact that one disease is heavily affecting the black community, people are still not talking. Newsflash: people (of MANY ages) are having sex and THOUSANDS (avg 40, 000 per year) are being diagnosed with HIV or AIDS each year. Ignorance is not prevention. It is too late in the game of life to be shy about something that is killing so many people. And then, there is always that few. Those people who are convinced that “It won’t happen to me”, “I’m only with one person so I don’t worry”, or “My partner gets tested, so I am okay”. HIV does not discriminate, and any person engaging in unprotected sexual activity is at risk.
-QUICK FACTS-
*HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. It stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
*HIV is transmitted through semen, vaginal fluids, infected blood, and breast milk.
*HIV results in AIDS. PEOPLE DO NOT TRANSMIT AIDS.
*AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
*There is no medically recognized cure for HIV or AIDS.
- In a NUTshell-
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Our immune system consists of cells that help in protecting the body from different infections. T-Cells are responsible for initiating a response from the white blood cells to fight off anything foreign to the body. When a person contracts HIV, the virus attacks the T-Cells and uses them to make more copies of HIV. As a result, the number of T-Cells decrease, and the immune system weakens and becomes non-responsive to foreign invaders. A person without HIV has a T-Cell count ranging from 500-1800. A person with HIV (and on medications) is considered to have a normal T-Cell count if it is over 500. When the T-Cell count drops below 200, a person will be diagnosed with AIDS. Medication and good health maintenance may allow someone diagnosed with AIDS to increase their T-Cell count above 200 and return to a status of HIV.
-Prevention-
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Being responsible and knowing the facts can help keep people safe from contracting HIV. Most transmission of HIV occurs during unprotected sexual activity (vaginal, anal, oral). Prevention from this method is simple and should become a habit for ever sexually active person. There are things that each individual can do to help prevent the spread of HIV (micro-level), and there are also means to prevent the spread of the virus throughout the national and global community (macro-level).
Micro-level Prevention:
1. KNOW YOUR STATUS: When a person contracts HIV, it takes some time before HIV antibodies are made. Generally, the window period is 25-90 days. This means that you may not receive an accurate HIV result if you did not test at the least 25 days after the unprotected sexual act. For example, if you engage in unprotected activity on Monday, and you get an HIV test on Saturday—if you are HIV positive, it will not show up on the test because the body has not had enough time to duplicate the virus. Knowing your status is ownership of your health and the health of the community.
The most common ways to get tested:
2. KNOW YOUR PARTNER’S STATUS: If sex is a part of the relationship, then sexual health should be as well. Newsflash: Many people are not aware of their status! Getting tested is easy, there are no more excuses. Being ashamed, scared, embarrassed or nervous is common, but knowing is empowering. You should be involved in your partner’s sexual health because it is your sexual health too. There are HIV testing centers nationwide, many are FREE! Yes, FREE and 20 MINUTES! 20 minutes versus a lifetime. I’m still confused about why it is not attractive to get tested with your partner. I remember asking people if they had been tested and they responded as if I insulted them. If they care about you they will get tested. As cliché as it sounds, it is true.
3. USE BARRIERS (Protection): **The only way to be 100% sure you are not at risk for HIV or other STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) is to abstain from ALL sexual activity**
a. Latex condoms have proven to be the most effective method of protection against HIV. There are condoms of all different sizes, colors, flavors (oral), and material (polyurethane condoms are suggested for people allergic to latex, however, they break easier than latex) Lambskin condoms do not protect against HIV. Condoms are distributed for FREE (there is that word again) at most local health facilities, but they can also be purchased at a store (grocery store, service station, drug store, etc.). Condoms are NOT effective when they are used incorrectly. Condoms should be used with water based lubricant (no oil, grease, or lotion). Condoms have expiration dates that should be checked before each use. There is also a proper way to store a condom and put on a condom. This information can be found on the back of the condom package.
b. Female condoms and dental dams are other barriers often used. Although they have not proven to be as effective as the latex condom, they also work in protecting against HIV. Typically, these products fail because they are not used correctly. Female condoms generally cost more than male condom and are made of polyurethane. It is suggested that females practice before using them during sexual intercourse. Female condoms have a ring on both ends and are inserted into the vagina. Dental dams are used as barriers for oral sex on a woman. People have also been known to use plastic wrap because it is thinner. Dental dams come in different flavors for your pleasure!
Macro-Level Prevention:
The national and global communities also play a role in the prevention of HIV (and other STIs). People must understand that this is not her problem or his problem it is ‘our’ problem. Two of the most important things the community can do to combat the crisis is accept and educate.
· Acceptance: The problem is here and it is not going anywhere until we acknowledge it and address it. For years sex and sex related concerns have been taboo or something deemed private. Well, the problem is now mainstream, and it is time to bring the skeletons out of the closet and let the cat out of the bag. It is not a secret that people are having unprotected sex. Along with acceptance of the problem comes acceptance of diversity. People are different and people have different sexual appetites. Until we release the negative stigmas that our community has attached to sex and sexuality we will remain in a state of crisis.
· Education: The community should also take an initiative to educate. The social institutions that exist in the community should be more involved in ensuring that people know where to get tested and how to protect themselves. Why is there no discussion in the church? Why are there not more programs in the schools? It is too late in the game of life to be shy about something that is killing so many people. Parents must also take responsibility in educating their children. Sex has become a large part of our culture, yet society remains hesitant to stress the importance of knowing about sex and sexual health.
Hopefully in my lifetime, someone will find a cure for HIV/AIDS (perhaps when someone realizes that human life is worth more than the millions of dollars that are made from medication for HIV). Until then, everyone must take ownership of their sex and sexual health. I encouraged people to educate themselves and then educate others.
