HIV 1. Photo Source: PHIL Centers, Content Providers: CDC/Dr. Edwin P. Ewing, Jr.
When was the last time you got tested for HIV?
It`s a known fact that HIV infection is one of the LGBT issues which needs the most attention. Studies have shown that more than 30 million people live with HIV/AIDS all around the world, and 7000 people find out every day that they`re infected with this terrible virus. Thirty million people who want to live and who are still waiting for scientists to discover a vaccine which completely cures the HIV infection. For almost three decades, such discovery wasn`t possible. Although the antiretroviral drugs have significantly improved the life of HIV positive patients, the cure everybody`s waiting for still hasn`t been discovered. Anyway, scientists claim that they`re very close of it, because a couple of months ago they discovered this very strong natural antibody which anihilates more tham 90% of the HIV virus mutations and helps them with their research.
I know that everybody talks about it and readers begin to get sick of hearing the same things over and over again, but I`m gonna talk about the HIV subject once more. Why? It`s simple, with all these prevention campains and ads, thousands of people still get infected each day. You know, they say it`s always better to prevent diseases or infections rather than treat them, and this saying especially applies when it comes to HIV infection. This is why so many money are invested into preventing the HIV infection.
To be honest, since I`m a hypochondriac I always get all sorts of blood tests just to make sure I`m okay, even if I don`t have the slightest reasons to worry about anything, especially about the HIV virus. Unfortunately, not everybody thinks like this. I`m sure you`ve heard people telling you that they`re "safe" or "clean" or whatever, but let`s be serious, nowadays we need facts not words.
So, when was the last time you got tested for HIV? It`s important to get tested periodically, at least once every six months. Not only for your safety, but also for the safety of your partners, especially if you`re used to having multiple gay/bisexual partners or you travel a lot.
One of the biggest mistakes LGBT people usually do is that they disregard the fact that you can get infected with HIV even when you`re having an oral. However, there are specially designed ultrathin condoms who keep you safe, and besides you barely feel it. Think about it, pleasure isn`t everything.
I remember how scared I was when I first got tested, and I felt such a relief when the test came out negative, hehe. How did you feel before your HIV tests results came?
Related posts:
- Truvada, The Pill that Reduces Risk of HIV Infection
- Preventing and treating HIV infection with a new vaccine in near future!
Persona non grata: Young, dedicated to writing articles and willing to make a change, whether we`re talking about how the people see us, the ones who are part of LGBT, or about writing some thoughts, opinions and other sort of material that hopefully others will find useful.
i have never been tested in my life as i cant havent had sx yet.
Ok now, you can't live with this stress over and over. Especially when you spend some quality time with someone (or some-"more").
Even if you use condom for everything else, for oral sex I'm sure that 99% don't use it. An there is a chance of getting infected, you know... especially people with deep dental caries tend to bleed (small quantities, but there is a clear contact of human blood and semen).
The fact is that HIV it's not flying in the air life birds. Using a condom you reduce the risk to over 98% (I read about it somewhere).
So, do every year an test and take care of yourself.
HIV testing may be more important than ever, and it's amazing how many otherwise intelligent, responsible gay men are either afraid or uninterested in being tested.
Last month, a close friend died of PCP, an AIDS infection no one really hears about anymore because it is preventable. But, because he had this fear of being tested and didn't know his status, he got sick and died within two weeks. He left behind shocked, grieving friends and family who were confused and angry about his choices.
If you are sexually active, get an HIV test every six months. If not, you're living in 1986. And you could die like it, too.
Mark S. King
MyFabulousDisease.com