Many of us are still struggling to understand the difference bet-ween HIV and AIDS. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that is contracted, mainly by exposure to blood, semen or vaginal fluids of an infected person. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the condition that is the result of a chronically compromised imm-une system In other words, HIV attacks the immune system usually resulting in AIDS, a weakened and ineffective immune system.
People don’t die from the AIDS virus; they die from the opportunistic diseases that the immune system can no longer fight off.
When the AIDS epidemic began over twenty years ago, the stereotypical view was that it affected mainly gay males, intravenous drug users and prostitutes. That myth has since been blown to smithereens. The fact is there are no stereotypes. HIV doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can contract it. Young, old, male, female, rich, poor; gay, straight, educated, uneducated. Any and everyone is at risk.
In the last few years however, there seems to be the emergence of new pseudo-stereotypical groups.
Black Americans are about 12 percent of the population but account for about half of the AIDS cases diagnosed. Black teens (13-19) are about 16 percent of the national population but account for over 65 percent of new AIDS cases.
There has also been a marked increase in new AIDS cases among men and women over 50 years of age. These disturbing trends should throw up some red flags if they haven’t already done so. We have a very serious problem in this country, especially among people of color.
Forget the conspiracy theories, no matter how compelling they might be. We’ve got to begin to take a long honest look at what’s going on and get our heads out of the sand. Intravenous drug use accounts for a significant cause of contracting HIV. Breastfeeding by infected mothers has infected babies. Even tattooing has been implicated if performed in unsafe ways. Let’s be honest though, we all know the main mode of transmission is sex. Unprotected sex in any form can lead to one contracting HIV.
Faithful partners who have been together for a few years are very unlikely to contract HIV. People practicing celibacy will almost never become infected. That leaves the rest of the population. People with multiple partners need to understand that they are basically playing Russian roulette.
This multiple partner group is increasingly becoming our teenagers. The sway of a culture that glorifies sensualism coupled with raging hormones creates an almost irresistible lure for all but the strongest of our young people. Even some of the so-called best youngsters succumb.
As for the over fifty set, the natural loss of a spouse through death and the rising divorce rate results in an increasing number of seniors finding new partners. This is made even easier by all of the online “meeting places.” Many of these senior lovers, believing they are passed their “reproductive” years forego protection. After all, they believe they are definitely not part of that “high risk” group.
Then enter Viagra and Cialis. Older men who once wouldn’t have seriously thought of trying to hang with one of these young fillies are now feeling like superman. And yes, many older women are dealing with younger men too.
Meanwhile, HIV is not taking a holiday. It just bides its time. It’s mind boggling when you stop to think how many people just one infected HIV positive can cause to eventually become infected.
In most religious communities, abstinence is stressed. In a perfect world this is fine. This is NOT a perfect world however. In this imperfect world, the “whole armor of God” is required.
Practicing abstinence, except in marriage, is the good choice. Everyone doesn’t always make the good choice however. This is when good sense has to kick in. We must educate ourselves and protect ourselves. It only takes one lapse in judgment to change our life forever…no matter who we are.
For information about the mission of Seedpod Empowerment Institute, call Mr. Gaynor at 769-798-5247 or E-Mail us: alimgaynor@yahoo.com
Be the first to comment