There
are so many misconceptions surrounding HIV and AIDS; myth
and misunderstanding fueled by the media, by fear, and by
ignorance. Let's take a look at the truth; five things every
teen should know about HIV and AIDS.
HIV
Does Not Discriminate
Since
the epidemic began over twenty years ago, stereotypes have
surfaced as to who are HIV infected people. White gay males,
drug users and prostitutes are labeled as the faces of HIV
and AIDS. Nothing could be further from the truth. HIV knows
no boundaries and certainly doesn’t discriminate. The
fact is that anyone can get HIV, from elderly men and women
living in a nursing home to teens planning their next prom.
Men and women, adults and children, rich and poor, the homeless
and the college professor; HIV can infect anyone who doesn't
take the proper precautions. Keep this in mind the next
time you hear HIV cant impact you. Since the epidemic began,
over 50,000 teens like yourself have contracted HIV and
progressed to AIDS, many of them dying before the age of
twenty.
Oral
Sex Is Not As Safe As You Think
While most everyone knows how HIV is spread from person
to person, most people underestimate the risk involved in
some behaviors. Oral sex is often thought of as the "safer
sex". Its incidence among young adults and teens is
well documented. In fact, some studies have shown that oral
sex in high schools is as common as kissing was twenty years
ago. Many adolescents believe that oral sex is a safe way
to engage in sex, free from the worry of pregnancy and disease.
The truth is that oral sex is not as safe as you think.
Studies have concluded that infected bodily fluids such
as semen and vaginal secretions have high concentrations
of HIV and can enter the blood stream through the mucous
membranes of the mouth. One such study revealed that in
one group of newly infected HIV positive young adults, many
reported their only sexual contact was oral sex.
There
Is More To Worry About Than Pregnancy
Even with all the media attention HIV gets these days, many
teens still believe that the only risk associated with unprotected
sex is pregnancy. So, to prevent pregnancy, teens used birth
control techniques such as oral sex or the withdrawal method
(pulling out) prior to ejaculation. Unfortunately, there
is more to be concerned about. The incidence of sexually
transmitted disease, including HIV, is on the rise among
teens. Many of these STDs are for life, meaning there is
no cure. Herpes, syphilis,
and HIV are real concerns that if
contracted will be with you a lifetime. For these reasons,
to minimize your risk of STDs and HIV, latex
condoms are a must each and every time you have oral,
anal or vaginal sex.
Sometimes
People Hide the Truth / Sometimes People Don't Truly Know
Not every teen ignores the risks of HIV. Some ask the important
questions of their partners but what they do with the answers
they receive is just as important. Think about it for a
moment. How many people will admit they are HIV infected
if asked by the new love in their life? How many will admit
to their sexual history when they are trying to win the
affections of their new love interest? How many people really
know their HIV status and the status of the people they
have been with in the past?
Unfortunately,
in part due to the prejudices surrounding HIV and AIDS,
many people are not willing to disclose their status to
potential sexual partners for fear of discrimination and
prejudice. Furthermore, many are reluctant to ask the questions
of their partners prior to sex or if they do, the tendency
is to take the answer they get as fact. The only way anyone
knows their HIV status is to get tested. A claim of “my
past partner was negative” is only acceptable if they
are backed by a negative test.
HIV
Kills And There Is No Cure
We hear about the success of HIV medications. People are
living longer due to the advent of powerful HIV medications
that help fight the virus. Unfortunately, the medications
are not a cure. While they do allow for longer lives, HIV
still kills. Since the epidemic began, over one half million
people have died from HIV and AIDS.
Liver
disease, pneumonia,
and serious infection of the brain and other internal organs
are constant companions of those living and fighting the
disease. The medicines are not a quick fix to an HIV infection.
They are difficult to take and cause many side effects such
as fat accumulations in the stomach and neck, diarrhea,
extreme fatigue, rashes, and vomiting. They have to be taken
many times each day and often lead to liver and kidney disease.
And they cost thousands of dollars each year. The best way
to stay healthy is not through HIV medications, but by avoiding
HIV in the first place.
Misconceptions
can be dangerous, especially where HIV and AIDS are concerned.
Know the important facts
about HIV and insist on condoms if sex is part of your relationship.
Remember, HIV and AIDS are for life and they do kill. For
info on women and HIV, go
there. For info on the HIV Rapid Test, go
there...
Mark
Cichocki, RN
Mark
is an HIV/AIDS nurse specialist at the University of Michigan
Health System. For more articles on this topic by Mark.
Go There...
