The essential information: How can one get an HIV infection?

Contrary to popular misconceptions, there is no such thing as HIV from food. Though there are many people who have that unfounded fear that you can get HIV from eating foods that have been “contaminated” with the blood of an HIV infected person, such is quite impossible. According to current researches by notable experts and based on the fact sheets provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), HIV cannot spread through non-sexual day to day activities. In fact, you cannot get HIV even if you come in casual contact with an HIV-infected person. Instead, you can only acquire or spread the disease through the following situations:

•    Having unprotected sex with an HIV-infected person
•    Sharing needles with an HIV infected person when injecting drugs, making tattoos, or piercing ears.
•    Conceiving a baby while you are diagnosed being HIV positive

Why you cannot get HIV from food

According to studies and researches made by medical experts, HIV will not be able to survive outside the body. This just means that based on present researchers, environmental transmission of HIV or HIV transmission through remote environmental mediums is quite impossible.

In general, the blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk, saliva, and tears of an infected person will contain different concentrations of HIV. However, though such substances can potentially contaminate environmental mediums, people cannot get HIV from food because the substance dies as soon as it is no longer inside a human body.

In fact, laboratory studies on the survival of HIV showed that even the artificial laboratory-grown HIV can only be kept alive for days only if it under very controlled conditions inside a lab. What’s more is that drying high concentrations of artificial HIV can diminish the amount of the virus by almost 99 percent in just a few hours.

As such, researches concluded that because the HIV concentrations used in the laboratory researches is much higher than those which can be found in the blood, drying actual infected body fluids will reduce the transmission risk to zero percent. Furthermore, experts note that HIV cannot reproduce outside its living host (except under laboratory conditions). Thus, it can be concluded that body fluids could not be used to spread HIV from food. GP

In the year 2006, the CDC also reported that 56,300 new cases of HIV infection were reported in the U.S. With these rates and the adverse effects associated with the infection, it is undeniable that HIV is one of the most alarming health problems in the country. In order to stop the spread of the infection and promote the early management of the disease, government agencies and various advocacy groups are providing free HIV testing.

Present practices and programs

In the quest to stop the spread of HIV, information campaigns on sex education and HIV awareness are not the only techniques that advocacy groups make use of. Instead, many lawmakers, health care providers and experts, insurance executives, and public health officials are promoting the use of free HIV testing as one of the most useful measures to control the incidence of the infection. According to experts, making sure that every individual gets a chance to determine their HIV status is a very important factor that is vital for controlling the spread of the virus.

As of now, statistics show that there are about 16 to 22 million people who are tested for HIV in the United States. In fact, almost 44% of all the adults in the country have undergone HIV testing in the year 2002. However, despite the increase in the number of people who have subjected themselves to free HIV testing, the CDC still reported that there were about 300,000 people who were unaware that they were infected with the HIV virus in the year 2003.

Why get an HIV test?

HIV infected people who are not aware of their condition will not be able to grab the various opportunities that can potentially keep them healthy and extend their lives – such as free vaccines, therapies, medications, and the like. If one is unaware of his actual condition, he will not be able to protect himself from potential dangers nor will he be able to engage in various activities that can somehow improve his health. In addition to that, he will not be able to protect his partner and loved ones from becoming infected.

Even recent cohort studies have showed that free HIV testing is definitely important. Reports showed that infected people who are aware of their HIV status decrease their risky behaviors that can potentially transmit the infection to their partners. In contrast, those who are unaware of their positive HIV status might even increase their risk for spreading the virus to their partners. GP

Going to the doctor

Regular check-ups are important whether or not you think you have an STD or not. This is standard so that you know what is happening to your body. You never know if you are high in cholesterol, have high blood sugar, or have malignant things growing in your body. A doctor might be able to spot a disease that hasn’t shown any symptoms, and you’d be able to get sex disease treatment right away.

STDs are easier to cure (as with any sickness) during their earlier stages. There are different ways to treat STDs, depending on what type they are. Some are treated with the use of antibiotics, others with penicillin.

Do it yourself is not an option

There are some people that are filled with pride and would choose to diagnose and treat themselves. This is absolutely wrong (unless you’re a trained physician). What they would do is research their symptoms using books or the Net and look for a disease that would fit all of those symptoms. This may result in the wrong sex disease treatment, which may do nothing and will only worsen the problem. Always consult a doctor when you are feeling odd.

The best sex disease treatment

The best way is by not needing the treatment at all, through avoiding the disease all together. Making the right decisions is quite difficult in times when your libido is at an all time high, and when your judgment is clouded by the effects of alcohol consumption. If ever you are to engage in a dirty one nighter, then it is quite obvious that wearing a condom is standard (even better if you double it).

The problem though is that there are STDs that even condoms can’t contain. These are diseases that affect non-genital parts that aren’t covered by condoms. This is why it’s best to avoid random romps in the sack. Choose your partner well if ever. There are certain signs to look out for in order to know if your possible partner is clean but these are never sure. GP

For example, a freshman college student that had a wild night of drinking at some random bar, and had intercourse with a random woman might be surprised the following morning to find sores around his pubic region.

At first, he would use generic skin cream to try and alleviate the problem, but nothing happens. He knows deep inside that these might be sex disease “syphilis symptoms”. He still relies on his parent on financial situations but is hesitant to seek their help for treatment. This would only worsen the problem and it’s important that upon spotting the first signs of syphilis that the subject seek help right away.

The dangers of syphilis

Some sexually transmitted diseases have more catastrophic effects than others. Some of them only have annoying effects such as itchiness of the pubic region, but others can cause serious trouble. In the case of syphilis, the effects can be very serious. When left untreated, syphilis can cause damage to the brain, heart, and bones. What’s even worse is that it can be fatal and even cause death. This is why it should be treated right away when the first signs of sex disease “syphilis symptoms” are spotted.

Early signs

Syphilis used to be very hard to diagnose because it would exhibit a lot of symptoms. With new technology and modern procedures, it has become easier to diagnose, and therefore can be treated earlier. One of the earliest stages of syphilis is the appearance of sores or chancre. They usually show themselves within 3 weeks and are usually located around the penis for men and around the outer genitals and inner vagina for women.

Sores can also be located in areas aside from the usual places. This is why people get them even when they have worn condoms. This is one of the early sex disease “syphilis symptoms”.

When left untreated

When syphilis is left untreated, it can spread all throughout the body and may cause symptoms such as sore throat, fever, discomfort, swelling of lymph nodes, and even hair loss. When it reaches these stages, it sometimes can be hard to diagnose because these are common symptoms with other sicknesses. It really is important to seek help upon the first stages when spotting any sex disease “syphilis symptoms”. GP

There are a lot of types of STDs out there, and some have more serious effects than others. This is why it’s like one of those egg shaped chocolates with toys inside: you never know what you’re getting. The usual one out there is sex disease “secondary syphilis”. This is usually caused by sexual contact, even with the use of condoms. The non-genital parts that aren’t covered by the condom are still affected by this nuisance.

Diagnosing this disease is difficult for doctors because it exhibits a number of different symptoms. What’s scary about this is that it can cause very serious problems if it’s left untreated. Some of these problems include damage to the brain, heart, eyes, bones, and aorta. In more serious cases, it may even cause death. This is why it’s so important to have it treated right away. The usual ways to treat sex disease “secondary syphilis” is through antibiotics and penicillin.

Always consult your doctor

Researching on something on the Net doesn’t make you an expert on the subject. Some people may find it embarrassing to go to the doctor and have him or herself diagnosed with an STD. They would sometimes opt to treat themselves. This really is the wrong approach especially since sex disease “secondary syphilis” can have catastrophic effects. Go to your doctor regularly and have general check-ups. There are also some diseases that don’t show their symptoms early on so it’s a good thing that you get to spot them during the early stages.

Syphilis is a serious disease that should be avoided as much as possible. Choosing your partner well is important because you never know where some random harlot has come from. This is one of the best ways to avoid any sexually transmitted diseases.

Sometimes, it can be hard to control our libido (especially for men) and it can be difficult to make rational decisions in moments of “heat”. It’s a matter of self-discipline and constantly reminding yourself of the consequences that would be a result of your actions. GP

Caution at the toilet

Public restrooms are the spawning ground for a lot of bacteria and viruses. That’s why it’s a must that you wash your hands before you leave the rest room. You don’t only get sex diseases from the act of sex itself, but from other things as well. Make sure that you cover the toilet with enough toilet paper before using it for number two purposes. You don’t know how many sick buns have touched the toilet seat and you wouldn’t want to be the new host of any sex disease infection that they have.

The importance of rubber

You’ll notice that there are so many ads that stress the use of condoms. The reason for this is that condoms not only prevent unplanned pregnancies, but also prevent the spread of STDs. If ever you plan to go out on a one night stand, fine. As long as you use a condom (double even) then it’s a lot less likely that you’ll get any disease.

Abstinence

Not because an easy lay presents itself doesn’t mean that you have to push through. Abstinence is a fool proof way of avoiding any sex disease infection. Some STDs are transmitted even with the use of condoms. They usually just require a small touch of the pubic region, then hello infection it is.

Regular visits to the doctor

Some STDs only show symptoms during their later stages. This is why it is important to have regular check-ups with the doctor just to be sure. You wouldn’t want to procrastinate and visit the doctor at the last minute when the sex disease infection has become unbearable.

Bottom line, the most important thing is that you are responsible when it comes to sex. You should know what the consequences of your actions are, and how to deal with them. Sure, everyone makes mistakes, but there are always measures to lessen the probability of making them. Impulsive behavior can be hard to control, but there have been a lot of people that have been successful at doing so. It’s just a matter of decision. GP

Being drunk at singles bars could lead to decisions we may regret for the months or years to come. You can blame the alcohol or make up any excuse for not using protection, but none of that will cure any of the sex disease sores you got from that random harlot you picked up at the bar for a one-nighter. Here are a few ways to avoid any sex disease sores that will prove to be much of a hassle.

Use condoms

The most obvious way of avoiding STDs are through the use of condoms. If you have the urge to sleep with any possible lay that comes your way, then you must already know the value of using a condom. Why risk having the hassles of an STD for one night of unprotected fun? Just to be sure, you could even choose to double the condom you are wearing so that breakage won’t be a problem.

Avoid one night stands

Especially for guys, an easy lay is an easy lay. We men usually would choose to think with our willies and go for any girl that is game. The problem though is that no matter how beautiful or clean the girl seems to be, you never know where she came from. If she agrees to a one night stand, chances are that she does that quite a lot. There are some sex disease sores that you can get in spite of using condoms.

Public restrooms

Sex is not the only way you can get STDs. You never know what disease the person that used the bathroom last had, so it’s important to take the necessary precautions before using a public toilet. If you find yourself in need to use a public restroom, make sure you cover the toilet seat with tissue to avoid any diseases, or better yet, don’t even let your bun touch the seat.

Consult the doctor

In case things are too late and you’ve already got sex disease sores, then a visit to the doctor is a must. Some people are actually ashamed and prideful enough to tough it out and try to cure the sores themselves.

In a nutshell, being responsible is the best way to avoid any STDs. It can be hard to control our libido, especially if we have been on a dry spell for quite a while but it’s important that we are still responsible. Taking precautions and knowing the consequences of your actions are essential in avoiding any sores that you can get from having multiple partners. GP

Partner Notification in HIV Control

Contact tracing or partner notification has been used since 1985 to track HIV infected people and those that they may have subsequently contaminated in order to administer screening and antiretroviral therapy and to stop the spread of the infection.

Tracking down HIV and AIDS was once such a daunting task given that there were hardly any incentives for the people who were turning themselves in prior to the discovery of antiretroviral drugs. Partner notification relied heavily on volunteered information.  It was also particularly difficult for infected people to subject themselves voluntarily and put their anonymity at risk to the harsh prejudices at that time. Today, the task is easier owing to the fact that many people volunteer themselves in the hope of availing treatment options.

The Case of N.J. Williams

The story of Nushawn J. Williams was a highly publicized case of partner notification in the fight against HIV and AIDS.  Williams, a native of Brooklyn, initially learned that he was infected with HIV in 1996 when his name was dropped in a health department clinic in Cautauqua County, NY by a woman who was infected with chlamydia whom he had sexual relations.

He agreed to be screened for HIV and cooperated with health workers by naming his sexual conquests. He dropped 21 names of women whom health workers started tracing.  Out of the list, they were able to identify 3 new cases of HIV infection.
Eventually other HIV infected women not in the list who had sexual encounters with Williams voluntarily turned themselves in for assistance. Health officials realized a need to take a more aggressive course of action.  Upon securing court approval, they launched a campaign to warn the public of Mr. Williams.

Subsequently, a few more women came forward.  Most recent records of the case show 28 women who have admitted to having sexual contact with Mr. Williams.  Ten of these women contracted HIV and they in turn had subsequent sexual relations with 53 more people.
The case of Williams was set in an ideal scenario, a rural area where HIV and AIDS tracing is manageable.

This is not so in large urbanized areas such as New York City.  Other cases also prove impractical such as when the source has had sexual contact with an overwhelming number of persons. In these cases, health officials resort to HIV screening of the entire community.
Until vaccine as well as complete and definite cure to HIV and AIDS is discovered, medical experts will have to contend with the rigors of partner notification.  GP

Over a quarter of a century has come to pass since the discovery of the pandemic HIV. Since then, over 25 million people have lost their lives to the disease.  In 2006 alone, an estimated 39.5 million people are living with HIV worldwide according to the UNAIDS/ WHO.  About 5.8% of these are children.

There are about 1 million cases of HIV infection in the United States.  An estimated 26% of the incidents are female patients. Approximately 25% of the infected women are not aware of their infection and thus, if pregnant, have a high possibility of transmitting the virus to their children.  The virus is transmitted from the mother to the child during pregnancy, at childbirth or through breastfeeding.

Much has been achieved in terms of medical technology to curb the transmission and progression of HIV.  Administering antiretroviral drugs greatly inhibit the virus and prevents the onset of AIDS.  However, if pregnant mothers find out too late about their state of infection, the breakthrough drug zidovudine (ZDV), coupled with delivery of the infant through caesarean section, can significantly reduce the risk of transmission of the deadly virus to the child.

Perinatal Transmission of HIV in the US

Despite the developments achieved in the field, an estimated annual average of 150 infants with HIV are still born in the United States, a significant number of which are members of racial minorities.  Aside from the fact that a quarter of HIV infected women are unaware of their disease, a few of those who know are actually unaware that there are available interventions that can reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmissions.

Interventions for Preventive Mother-to-Child Transmissions

To further reduce the incidence of perinatal transmissions, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) introduced several programs including broad social marketing drive to persuade women to participate in HIV screening and prenatal care.  They have also engaged in identifying and tracking pregnant women found positive for HIV who needs immediate medical intervention.  Most notable of these programs is the implementation of routine testing for HIV in pregnant women.

Progress on Preventing Perinatal Transmission
Already, progress has been evident in preventing mother-to-child transmissions of HIV. Perinatal transmission of the virus has declined from 1,650 cases in 1991 to an average of 141 cases in 2004.  Ever since the pandemic broke out in 1981 to date, an estimated 8,460 children in the US have been found with AIDS who acquired the infection through perinatal transmission.
Yet mother-to-child transmissions of HIV that have led to reported AIDS cases have steadily declined from 118 cases in 2001 to 2004, although a slight increase was observed from 50 in 2004 to 67 in 2005.  The goal now is to bring the incidence of such cases to zero.  GP

HIV attacks the immune system and exposes the body to opportunistic infections.  HIV is spread through transfer of bodily fluids often by sexual contact, contaminated needles, or mother-to-child transmission. HIV symptoms differ based on the stage of infection.

Incubation Period

The incubation period occurs at the onset of infection and lasts for 2 to 4 weeks.  There is no visible sign of infection at this stage.

Acute Infection

The second stage is acute infection.  Patients experience flu-like symptoms at this stage such as sore throat, rash, muscle pain, and fatigue coupled with swelling of the lymph nodes and sores in the mouth and the esophagus. Other occasional symptoms include headache, nausea, enlargement of the liver or spleen, thrush, moderate weight loss and neurological symptoms.

This stage appears 2 to 4 weeks from the onset of infection and lasts and average of 28 days.  The type and extent of HIV symptoms vary in patients. At this stage, patients are highly contagious.  However, many are not aware of the true nature of their own disease, mistaking them for other more common benign ailments.

Clinical Latency

The latency stage is marked by minimal or no symptoms depending on the immune system of the patient.  It can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 20 years.  During this stage, the infection is in full force within lymphoid organs and in areas where helper T cells abound.

AIDS

The fourth and final stage of HIV is AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.  At this stage, the number of helper T cells in the body is at a critical point that opportunistic microbes set in causing infections and tumors.  The initial signs are similar to HIV symptoms in earlier stages although more intense.  In addition, the patient may experience prostatitis as well as chronic infections of the respiratory tract such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.   As the disease progresses, the body becomes susceptible once more to dormant herpes viruses and may suffer from such diseases as singles, herpes simplex outbreak or Karposi’s sarcoma.

The Importance of Recognizing the Disease

HIV is dangerous because aside from the fact that it is has no known vaccine nor complete cure, there are oftentimes negligible or no HIV symptoms to cause alarm in patients at an early stage when appropriate intervention can be administered with marked success.

HIV patients rely on a treatment option known as highly active antiretroviral therapy or HAART, a combination of drugs that inhibit the effect of the virus to the body.  It is critical to administer the drugs at a stage when the level of helper T cells in the body is still sufficient.  Thus it is important for patients to recognize the syndrome and to undergo screening at the slightest suspicion.  GP