As a medical profressional I am becoming increasingly alarmed at the rate of spread of the killer virus known as HIV/AIDS. What was once thought of as a 'poofter' disease has now become one of the most prevalent health concerns of modern times, and I feel that if we don't all band together to stop this virus it will reach plague proportions and wipe out entire communities.

Before you accuse me of being Doctor Doom and Gloom, and taking things out of proportion, consider these statistics:-

From the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/aidsstat.htm

* Approximately 40,000 new HIV infections occur each year in the United States, about 70 percent among men and 30 percent among women. Of these newly infected people, half are younger than 25 years of age.

* Of new infections among men in the United States, CDC estimates that approximately 60 percent of men were infected through homosexual sex, 25 percent through injection drug use, and 15 percent through heterosexual sex.

* Of new infections among women in the United States, CDC estimates that approximately 75 percent of women were infected through heterosexual sex and 25 percent through injection drug use.

Frightening, isn't it? Given these alarming stats, I feel that the way to attack this problem is to properly educate people. And I mean starting from an early age, teaching primary school age kids about the dangers of unprotected sex and how to safeguard themselves against HIV and other nasty diseases.

Let's start with the facts. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is transmitted only by the exchange of blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk. This can happen through unprotected sex or by sharing "works" for injection drug use.

For most people infected with HIV, after a period of time which varies for every individual, the virus escalates into what is known as full blown AIDS, which stands for Aquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. This killer condition relentlessly attacks the immune system, which is the body's defence against infection. When the immune system has been weakened to a certain point, the victim usually develops a common ailment such as influenza (the 'flu) which the weakened immune system is unable to fight. The victim then develops something like Pneumonia and succombs soon after.

The main activities that are spreading the HIV virus are unprotected sex, and sharing needles for intravenous drug use. Therefore, the foolproof way to prevent HIV infection would be to not have sex at all, and not use needles to inject substances. However this is not an option for many people, and f or those who choose to engage in sexual activities or use intravenous drugs, the risk of transmission can be greatly reduced.

* For sexual activity of any kind with a partner who's HIV status is unknown, always use a latex condom, gloves, or a dental dam. A water based lubricant can be used to reduce friction. Don't use oil based lubricants such as vaseline with condoms! It will break down the latex to the point of tearing.

Having safer sex is also very important for reducing the risk of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). STIs can increase the risk of HIV transmission by disrupting the mucosal lining of the genital tract, making it easier for HIV to infect cells.

Safer-Sex Tips

* Kissing, hugging, mutual masturbation (ejaculation only on unbroken skin) are safe activities.

* For anal or vaginal sex, use a latex condom with a water-based lubricant. Make sure the condom has a reservoir at the end and is rolled down completely to the base of the penis.

* During sex, men can pull out and avoid ejaculating inside their partner, even when using a condom. If you do come inside your partner, hold the condom during withdrawal to keep the semen from spilling out.

* If a condom breaks during sex, immediately replace it with a new one.

* Avoid oral sex if you or your partner have open cuts or sores in your mouth, on your genitals, or an active STI. Avoid brushing or flossing prior to oral sex if you have problems with bleeding gums. For oral sex with a man, you can reduce your risk by avoiding taking semen in your mouth. A condom is recommended (non-lubricated and/or flavored). For oral-vaginal sex, avoid menstrual blood. Use a dental dam or a non-lubricated condom cut in half and stretched over the vulva.

* Rimming, or oral-anal contact, is low risk for HIV transmission but high risk for parasites and hepatitis. Use a dental dam or condom cut in half lengthwise.

* Use a fresh condom with sex toys. Clean toys with soap and water after every use.
Harm Reduction

* Don't share needles! Use a fresh, disposable syringe each time. If a fresh needle is not available, clean the works with bleach and water. Avoid heavy use of alcohol or other drugs that impair your judgment in sexual situations.

* It's easy to slip. Consider counseling or a support group to help you stay safe and keep negotiating harm reduction every day.

If you think you may be in a high risk category for contracting HIV/AIDS, or you have slipped and been unsafe, see your doctor and ask for a HIV test. It is better to know early for your own peace of mind, and to minimise the spread of HIV to others. If your doctor is reluctant or non compassionate to your request, get yourself another doctor. Don't put up with medical professionals who act in this manner - they should at all times be sympathetic and open to your situation.

If you are diagnosed as HIV positive, you will need the support of trusted family and friends, many of whom will need time to comprehend and adjust to your condition. You will need support to prevent depression which is rampant amongst HIV sufferers. Consider joining a HIV support group where you can meet other HIV affected people and share your thoughts and feelings. Whatever you do, once HIV positive It is imperative that you:-

* See your doctor regularly and take your immune boost medication without fail;

* Keep yourself fit and healthy;

* Minimise your exposure to infections (excercise caution);

* Immediately inform any sexual partners you have had in the last 12 months and encourage them to be tested;

* If you engage in sexual activity of any kind it is your moral and legal responsibility to inform your partner of your status, and to take all necessary steps to prevent infecting that person. That means condoms ALWAYS, no exceptions. Be aware that if you fail to inform someone that you are HIV positive before having sex with them, you can be charged with reckless endangerment and possibly imprisoned.

Doctor Dan

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