Positive

by Gelka Jarrel M. Aput

            The trend in humanity could be viewed to have changed for the past years. Issues on morality, ethics and sociality are aspects that can be linked with this. Some things that were believed to be sacred have turned profane, those that were said to be rambunctious have turned practical; a backslide for the image of humanity.

            Many issues have been rampant nowadays, including sex- one of three driving power that rules the world. Our fore parents consider this as something not should be discussed in just a mere conversation as it is a confidential topic. However, today’s generation might not be that bounded to talk ‘bout this. More and more people, young and old, have engaged to des this times. Let’s admit it, people in general do this as part of leisure or just purely a play of people; one, two, or multiple partners. Despite of that fact, we should never forget to see the good side- sex between couples who are truly committed to each other and possesses the sense of a genuine relationship. Over the passes decade, the issues of sex as a detrimental act has increased all over the globe. Whether in a sacred or profane manner, one should not be reluctant of being exempted from the detriment-the spread of HIV. It flows along your veins; it creeps on every edge of your body; it damages your posture; it afflicts your soul. Now, how safe do you think you are?

            Being reluctant has no room on the issue. HIV cases have fluctuated exponentially, so I’d rather be practical-in whatever means people acquire HIV, they need to know the fatal part it is capable of. What is HIV by the way?

            Well folks, its Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus which attacks the immune system, and weakens your ability to fight infections and disease. It is passed through the contact of these 4 body fluids of an infected person: blood, breast milk, and the most common medium of the wide spread- seminal/vaginal fluids.  The flu-like illness that often occurs a few weeks after HIV infection is also known as seroconversion illness. It's estimated that up to 80% of people who are infected with HIV experience this illness. The most common symptoms are fever (raised temperature), sore throat and body rash. Other symptoms can include tiredness, joint pain, muscle pain and swollen glands (nodes). The symptoms usually last one to two weeks but can be longer. They are a sign that your immune system is putting up a fight against the virus. After the initial symptoms disappear, HIV will often not cause any further symptoms for many years. During this time, known as asymptomatic HIV infection, the virus continues to be active and causes progressive damage to your immune system. This process can take about 10 years, during which you will feel and appear well. Once the immune system becomes severely damaged one is entitled of serious life threatening illnesses. AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, when your body can no longer fight life-threatening infections. With early diagnosis and effective treatment, most people with HIV will not go on to develop AIDS. If you think you have put yourself at risk of HIV, you should seek medical advice and have a test as soon as recommended. The earlier HIV is diagnosed, the earlier you can start treatment and avoid becoming ill.

            At a mature age, we know what acts may cause as to get the virus. Being aware of the body fluids as media of transmission, we can be guided. For the record, I have been stressing out sex as a mean of HIV spread; to think, blood and breast milk contact have not been emphasized. It is because sexual contacts constitute 90% of the diagnosis on how HIV is acquired.

            Living with HIV might never be easy, one must be careful in any way to avoid. Here’s a fact, the World Health Organization estimates 35 million people living with HIV. Not convincing? Here: our neighbor city, Cagayan de Oro is 6^th in a nationwide ranking of HIV prevalence. No cure has been discovered yet, but one can undergo treatments. For the moment, if you still haven’t consulted your current health, pray for the better and hope not to see a result that reads “positive”.