Did you know every six seconds someone is infected with HIV. Did you know in the southern parts of African 50% of women are living with AIDS.The statistics are alarming current rates of HIV/AIDS is rising in young people and women of color; African American women have the highest rates currently in the United States. For world AIDS awareness day I hope to encourage people to get tested and provide information about the disease and resources for those currently living with AIDS.
In undergrad I had an amazing opportunity to volunteer for the SF AIDS Foundation. SFAF offers referrals to testing clinics, housing options, treatment programs, health care, and other therapeutic resources. By calling 800-342-AIDS you can speak with a trained HIV/AIDS hotline worker who offer confidential counseling regarding HIV/AIDS, you can also request booklets/readings on HIV/AIDS and other related STIs/illnesses. In addition, they offer a risk assessment over the phone free of charge. This is a great resource available to anyone who calls.
Getting Tested
It is really easy to do and is painless. Usually a small oral fluid sample, sometimes blood or urine, is taken to test for HIV antibodies. Currently the Rapid Test is the easiest and quickest option which takes about 20 minutes for results. Other tests available are the EIA test, RNA Tests, and Home Tests.
Where Do I Go?
Most clinics like Planned Parenthood provide HIV Testing free of charge. You can also ask you usual health care provider to be tested. Testing is now available on campuses. Berkeley High offers a free clinic on campus that offer testing and options for safer sex. Another great program that I had the opportunity to work with as a Human Sexuality Peer Educator is the P.E.A.C.H. Program. SFSU students can stop by and find out more information about HIV/AIDS and other related sexual concerns. Today they will have an event on campus for World AIDS day stop by and check out their table 11AM-8PM.
What is the difference between Anonymous and Confidential Testing
Anonymous testing: You will not be required to give your name or any identifying information during the testing or counseling process. Usually places give you a unique code to remember that is not attached to your health file. The code is strictly for purposes of having a way to get your results.
Confidential Testing: Requires you to give your name, social security number, and date of birth. Since April 2006 some testing sites must send your information to San Francisco Department of Public Health's AIDS office if you test positive.
When you go for testing make sure you specify which type of testing you would like to have done.
How Can I Get HIV/AIDS?
Most people believe that only gay people can transmit the disease but this is untrue. Anyone can contract HIV/AIDS.
HIV/AIDS is contracted from unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex; people who already have a STI are at a higher risk for getting HIV than those who have no history of STI's.
HIV/AIDS is also contracted from sharing needles with others (if you or someone you know needs more information on getting clean needles please contact the HIV/AIDS foundation and ask about the needle exchange program)
TO SUM: One can get HIV the following body fluids if that fluid has the HIV virus:
*Blood
*Semen
*Breast Milk
*Vaginal Fluids
TO SUM: These behaviors can potentially put one at risk for contracting HIV:
Rough vaginal/anal sex, Vaginal/anal sex, Dry vaginal/anal sex, Oral sex(risk is higher if there are open sores in the mouth or cuts on gums from brushing), Fingering, Breast Feeding, Sharing Drug needles, "blood Sister/Brother" pacts, or any other acts that may put one in contact with any/all of the above body fluids.
Though this is a serious concern people can live healthy meaningful lives after being infected with HIV or living with AIDS; it is no longer to be a death sentence. There are medications and treatments that can help one live a healthy life. It also doesn't mean that this is the end of one's sex life. There are plenty of options that are useful in having a healthy sex life and continuing a family.
It is important to get tested. It is better to know than not to know. It's better to protect yourself than not protect yourself. Awareness is KEY.
Everyone has found a special way to help ease the pain of loosing a loved one to AIDS and to remember them. The AIDS Memorial quilt has served this purpose for many people. For more information on the AIDS Quilt please log on to their site.
For questions or more information on AIDS or any other topic please email to theesexdoc,blogspt@gmail.com.
Referrals:
National HIV and STD Testing Resources:
http://www.hivtest.org
P.E.A.C.H.:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000338619850&v=info
SF AIDS Foundation:
http://www.sfaf.org/
Planned Parenthood:
http://www.plannedparenthood.org/health-center/index.htm?gclid=CPXcl8Xiy6UCFRBNgwodxleyjg
San Francisco HIV
http://sfhiv.org/
AIDS Memorial Quilt:
http://www.aidsquilt.org/
