AIDS. Such a strong word that stands alone yet affects so many people today in our society. No, this word has no favorites and take all genders, races, as well as ages as its victim. Once it's attach to you there is no "unfollowing" it- your stuck for life. Something so serious has been around since the 80's continuing to grow and still so many choose not to play it safe and smart. Choosing not to inform yourself on such a deadly disease is not only stupid on ones part but also hurts the loved ones around them. 1stClassLadies are strong believers when it comes to educating our supporters on knowing the facts, risks and damages to anything that can harm them. So this Thoughts For Thursday is not only a reminder to those that already know but a wake up call to those who don't.
The Definition. AIDS (which stand for Acquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is defined as a disease of the human immune system in which a persons immune has become to weak to fight off infections.
The Cause. AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus also known as HIV. HIV is a virus that gradually attacks immune system cells. As HIV progressively damages these cells, the body becomes less and less able to fight back. It is not until late in the stages of HIV that one is pronounced to have AIDS.
The Ways Of Contracted HIV:
- Sexual intercourse which includes oral and anal sex
- Contaminated blood transfusions and hypodermic needles
- Exchange between mother and her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding
- by any contact of a mucous membrane or the bloodstream with a bodily fluid that has the virus in it, such as the blood, semen, vaginal fluid, preseminal fluid, or breast milk from an infected person.
Lets Try to Prevent HIV/AIDS:
Don't have unprotected sex. If you want to be 100% sure that you will not get AIDS or any other sexually-transmitted infection (STI), be abstinent (decide to abstain from all sex). If you cannot abstain, always use a condom unless you are in a long-term, committed relationship and your partner has been tested. Don't have sex with people who have multiple partners.
If you engage in intravenous drug use, NEVER SHARE SYRINGES. There are many ways to get your hands on inexpensive or free syringes and needles. Dirty needles do more damage to your skin and veins, and HIV, hepatitis and many other diseases can be transmitted when two or more people share the same needle.
Try to know where organs come from. If you ever need a transplant, whether it be organs or other body parts, like cells, it would be safer to know where they come from. If you're having a kidney transplant, try to get one from a family member. Since the human body has two kidneys, and you only need one to live, kidney transplants can be taken from living people who you know. Other transplants, such as cell transplants, can also be taken from willing family and friends.
Although this is a rare way of contracting HIV, avoid coming into contact with other people's blood. If you are a health care worker or other individual who is regularly exposed to blood, do not rush about and be stringent about taking all necessary precautions. Your health comes first.
Any amount makes a big difference to the benefiting organizations and the people who rely on GMHC’s life-saving services.
With sincere thanks,
1stClassLadies
No comments:
Post a Comment