Aids And You Essay Example

anal intercourse efficiently transmitted the disease, which is prevalent among gay men. Consequently, the disease spread at a much faster rate within the gay male population compared to other groups.

It was later labeled as a “gay disease”. The disease is primarily transmitted through contact of one's blood with infected blood or semen, so intravenous drug addicts who shared needles were also soon identified as an affected group. As the AIDS epidemic began to impact larger portions of these two populations, gay males and IV drug abusers, many others in society viewed them with contempt, as they were already despised by the majority. However, AIDS can also spread through heterosexual intercourse and blood transfusions.

New born babies can acquire the disease from infected mothers during pregnancy. Gradually more and more "mainstream" folks got the disease. Most recently, a member of congress died of the disease. Finally, even the national news media began to join in the task of educating the public to the notion that AIDS can affect everyone. Basic medical research began to provide a few bits of information, and some help. The virus causing the disease was isolated and identified. The AIDS virus turned out to be a very unusual sort of virus.

The genetic material of this virus was RNA instead of DNA. When it invaded human cells, it used its RNA to instruct the production of viral DNA. Although RNA viruses are relatively common, only a small number of them replicate by facilitating the transmission of information from RNA to DNA. This unique reverse or "retro" information flow does not occur in DNA viruses or any other living organisms.

Hence, the virus was classified as

a member of the uncommon category of viruses called "Retro Viruses". Research facilitated the examination of donated blood for antibodies to the virus, significantly decreasing the likelihood of contracting AIDS from a blood transfusion. This advancement not only enhanced the safety of blood bank supplies but also enabled the identification of AIDS exposure through a straightforward blood test. There are three primary forms of AIDS infection: AIDS disease, ARC, and asymptomatic seropositive condition. The AIDS disease is characterized by significant harm to an individual's immune system caused by the AIDS virus.

Contracting specific varieties of pneumonia, such as Pneumocystis, or certain rare cancers like Kaposi’s Sarcoma, is considered to be indicative of the disease. This disease inevitably leads to death and often requires prolonged and expensive hospital care. Transmission of the disease occurs through sexual contact or exposure of an uninfected person's blood to the infected person's blood or semen.

Another condition known as ARC (Aids Related Complex) exists when an individual is infected with the AIDS virus but their immune system remains compromised without developing the lethal cancers or pneumonias associated with AIDS. Frequent colds, swollen lymph nodes, and similar symptoms characterize this condition, which can persist for several years.

Individuals with ARC can transmit the infection to others and are likely to eventually progress to full-blown AIDS. However, some individuals test positive for exposure to the virus without showing obvious signs of the disease. This is because their blood contains antibodies to the AIDS virus. These individuals, referred to as "asymptomatic but seropositive," may or may not carry enough virus to be contagious.

Unfortunately, almost all seropositive individuals will ultimately develop AIDS based on research and experience.

Nevertheless, there is a ray of hope as it can take 15 years or longer for someone seropositive for AIDS to develop the disease. Therefore, the millions currently seropositive for AIDS essentially face a death sentence that might not be carried out until one or two decades later.

Medical research has the potential to reverse or commute the sentence of contracting the virus. It is important to note that recommendations for safe sexual behavior depend on a significant factor discussed below:

Currently, it is believed that most people will test positive for the virus within four months after being exposed to it.

Additionally, if someone has been sexually exposed to a person with AIDS and does not test positive within six months after the exposure, it is believed that they will never test positive as a result of that particular exposure.

However, it should be noted that there are a few individuals whose blood does not show antibodies to the virus but live virus has been cultured from them. Therefore, if someone tests negative, it does not guarantee that they have not been exposed to the virus.

Testing for this category of individuals is challenging and they are currently considered to be quite rare.

Although there is speculation on possible immunity to the virus, this remains unconfirmed and it is also unknown if these individuals can transmit the virus. Mild detergents or chlorox are effective in eliminating the delicate AIDS virus. Transmission can occur through actual viral particles or human cells that contain integrated AIDS viral DNA within human DNA, or possibly both mechanisms. The main mode of transmission is not clear; however, contracting AIDS is highly difficult unless one engages

in specific activities.

There is no evidence to suggest that casual contact, such as shaking hands, hugging, or sharing tools, can transmit AIDS. Although the saliva of AIDS patients has contained live virus during extraction methods, these methods involved higher concentrations than those found in normal human contact like kissing. Thus, there is no solid evidence supporting transmission through "deep" or "French" kissing. Additionally, sharing food or utensils with an AIDS patient and transmission through sneezing or coughing have not been proven to spread the virus.

The current evidence does not support the transmission of the disease in that manner. Biting may also have a slightly increased (yet still unlikely) chance of transmitting the disease. There is no medical reason to recommend quarantining AIDS sufferers or those who are HIV positive. Such recommendations come from ignorance or malevolent intentions to establish concentration camps. Immigration laws that restrict visits by AIDS sufferers or those who are HIV positive have no rational medical basis, considering the disease is already prevalent in this country. Friends, family, and coworkers of AIDS patients and seropositive individuals have no reason to fear casual contact. There is no justification for refraining from showing love or concern to a friend with AIDS by embracing them. Excluding AIDS sufferers from food preparation activities seems irrational as well since most cells and virus will not survive before the food is consumed if an AIDS sufferer's blood ends up in salad or soup after cutting their finger. It is highly challenging to contract AIDS through ingested substances too. Lastly, it should be emphasized that giving blood to a blood bank cannot transmit AIDS since the equipment used for

blood donation is sterile and single-use, being discarded after each use.

A primary mode of transmission for AIDS is through sexual activity, specifically involving the contact of infected blood or semen with uninfected blood. Engaging in sexual intercourse where a man's penis penetrates a woman's vagina or either a woman's or man's rectum carries a high risk of transmitting the disease. The likelihood of an infected male transmitting AIDS to an uninfected female during vaginal sex is approximately four times higher than that of an infected female transmitting it to an uninfected male. This difference might be attributed to the larger moist tissue area in a woman's vagina and the increased possibility of microscopic tears occurring during intercourse.

The primary argument is that AIDS can be transmitted in both directions during heterosexual sex, while transmission among lesbian individuals is rare. Both gay and straight individuals often engage in oral sex, which involves contact between infected semen or vaginal secretions and the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. However, the AIDS virus and infected cells cannot survive in the acidic environment of the stomach. Nonetheless, there remains a perceived risk of acquiring the disease through oral sex with an infected individual, though it is likely lower compared to vaginal or rectal intercourse but still considered significant.

The transmission of AIDS among intravenous drug users can also occur through needle sharing. However, politicians at the local, state, and national levels have consistently hindered the rational approach of providing free access to sterile intravenous equipment for IV drug users due to their self-righteous attitudes. Amsterdam promptly implemented this measure, which has been proven to significantly slow down the spread of the virus in

that population. In San Francisco, medical workers have only been able to distribute educational leaflets and cartoons instructing IV drug abusers about the importance of rinsing their needles with chlorox before reusing them on others. It is crucial to acknowledge that disregarding the well-being of IV drug users carries consequences.

As drug abuse continues to increase, more individuals are at risk of contracting the virus, which is a threat to everyone. Instead of moralizing intravenous drug users, it is crucial to focus on creating an efficient strategy for slowing down the spread of AIDS in all communities. While introducing AIDS testing for donated blood has reduced the chances of getting infected through blood transfusions, there is still a small level of risk.

Efforts have been made to minimize the risk of contracting AIDS during elective surgery, which can be scheduled months in advance. One approach is autotransfusion, where the patient stores their own blood before the surgery for potential use. Another method involves coordinating blood donations from friends and family who are known to be antibody negative and at low risk for AIDS, further reducing already low transfusion risks.

The AIDS epidemic has disrupted the sexual revolution of the 1960s as it has influenced the behavior of both homosexual and heterosexual individuals who previously engaged in active sexual relationships with multiple partners. Abstaining from all sexual contact remains the safest choice when it comes to AIDS and sex, although many consider it a significant sacrifice.

Despite the importance of considering safe sex, guidelines are in place for individuals engaging in casual sexual activities. These guidelines may be strict and not well-received by those with a history of unrestricted sexual

activity. However, failing to follow these rules can result in severe consequences. Once accustomed to these guidelines, most people can still experience a satisfactory level of sexual enjoyment through safe sex practices. Specifically, when engaging in vaginal or anal penetration with a penis, it is crucial to use a condom or "rubber" to cover the penis.

This must be done “religiously”, and NO exceptions are allowed. A condom must be used by a man even when he is receiving oral sex. Cunnilingus (oral stimulation of a woman's genitals by the mouth of a lover) is NOT considered to be safe sex. Safe sex includes mutual masturbation, and the stimulation of one's genitals by another's hand (provided there are no cuts in the skin on that hand). But manual stimulation of another's genitals is NOT safe if one has cuts on one's hands, unless one is wearing a glove. Note that even when one is conscientiously following the recommendations for safe sex, accidents can happen.

Condoms can break and have small cuts or tears in the skin that one may be unaware of. Therefore, following rules for "safe sex" does not guarantee that one will not contract AIDS. However, it significantly reduces the chances. There are numerous cases of sexually active couples in which one partner has AIDS but the other remains HIV negative even after months of engaging in safe sex with the infected individual. It is particularly promising to observe that the incidence of new AIDS infections among San Francisco gay males, a high-risk group, has seen a significant decline due to education programs.

The spread of AIDS among individuals who practice safe sex and limit casual

sexual contacts is significantly slowed down. It is crucial for heterosexual individuals to take similar responsible actions in order to further slow down the spread of the disease and provide researchers with more time to find a way to combat it. Monogamy is the safest approach for individuals engaging in sexual activity during this era of AIDS. This involves both partners in a couple committing to not have sex with anyone else. AIDS antibody tests should be taken at this time. If both tests come back negative, safe sex must be practiced until both individuals in the couple have surpassed six months since their last sexual encounter with someone else. The AIDS blood test is then repeated. If both tests remain negative six months after the last sexual contact with another party, it is believed to be safe to engage in "unprotected" sex. It is important to note that this approach is particularly recommended for individuals who desire to have children in order to prevent the transmission of AIDS from an infected mother to the child.

Note also that this approach can be used by groups of three or more people, but it must be adhered to VERY strictly. What to AVOID: Unscrupulous folks have begun to sell the idea that one should pay to take an AIDS antibody test, then carry an ID card that certifies one as AIDS antibody negative, as a ticket to being acceptable in a singles bar. This is criminal greed and stupidity. First, one can turn antibody positive at any time. Even WEEKLY testing will not pick this change up soon enough to prevent folks certified as “negative” from turning

positive between tests. Much worse, such cards are either directly or implicitly promoted as a SUBSTITUTE for “safe sex” practices. This can only hasten the spread of the disease. If you want to learn your antibody status, be sure to do so ANONYMOUSLY.

Do NOT have the test conducted by any agency that requires your personal information such as your real name and address. Fortunately, in San Francisco, there is a public facility for AIDS antibody testing where you can choose to identify yourself with only a number. However, there is a three-month waiting list for testing at that location. Alternatively, there are private clinics where you can pay for the test and use any fake name you prefer. I recommend this because the government and businesses are currently showing inappropriate reactions toward individuals who are known to be positive for antibodies. Protect yourself from potential persecution by ensuring that your antibody status is not recorded.

That information is for you, your lover(s), and (if need be) your physician. And for NO one else. There currently is NO treatment for AIDS (this includes AZT) that shows significant promise. In Conclusion: It is my own strongly held view, and that of the medical and research community world wide, that the AIDS epidemic is a serious problem, with the potential to become the worst plague this species has ever known. This is SERIOUS business. VASTLY greater sums should be spent on searching for treatments and vaccines. On the other hand, we feel strongly that this is “merely” a disease, not an act by a supernatural power. And while it does not seem likely we will find either a cure

or a vaccine in the foreseeable future, it may be that truly effective treatments that can indefinitely prolong the life of AIDS victims may be found in the next few years. When science and technology do finally fully conquer AIDS, we can go back to deciding what sort and how much sex to have with whoever we choose on the basis of our own personal choice, and not by the coercion of a speck of proteins and RNA. May that time come soon.

In the meantime, we should all take steps to slow down the spread of this deadly virus. The purpose of this article is to assist with that effort, so please share it as much as you can.