Around the world, especially within the United States, December 1st is known as National AIDS Awareness Day.
It’s the day that people are reminded to go get tests to find out their HIV/AIDS status, if they don’t already know it. HIV/AIDS is a disease with a very interesting history.
It first came onto the scene in the United States in California and New York. Several young, homosexual men–who were otherwise healthy– came into hospitals with cases of diseases, such as pneumonia which normally found in people with severely compromised immune systems. The only characteristic that connected them was their sexual orientation.
In September of 1982, the term Autoimmune Deficiency Syndrome was coined. More and more people began to come into the hospital with similar pneumonia-like symptoms and afterwards quickly died. Soon, it wasn’t just homosexuals, but other groups, such as drug users. This is probably were the stigma of HIV/AIDS started. Since it was first reported in the early 80’s, scientists and doctors have learned so much more about the disease. It isn’t considered something that only homosexuals or those who use drugs intravenously are diagnosed with. Instead, people from all different backgrounds and nationalities have the disease.
Now, before blood transfusions, blood is also tested. Additionally, there is more support for women who have HIV/AIDS and are pregnant. Most people know now that you can’t “catch” HIV/AIDS through normal daily activity but by sharing bodily fluids.
Though doctors and people in general are more knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS, it doesn’t mean that people should take it lightly. It’s all the more reason for people to be more proactive in ensuring they know their HIV/AIDS status. If you have insurance, then you are able to get tested without much trouble.There isn’t even a co-pay for the office visit since it is considered preventative care. If you don’t have insurance, it’s a little bit more complicated, but it’s no reason for you to not get tested. There are many free clinics that will test for HIV/AIDS at little to no cost.
While doctors and researchers have found treatments like ATZ (azidothymidine), they can’t begin treatment until they know if you have the disease, as in the case with every disease. Usually, doctors recommend testing for HIV/AIDS once a year–unless you think you’ve been exposed.
If you haven’t already gotten your yearly test, there is no better Christmas present to yourself (and any sexual partner you might have) than to know your status. So get tested.
Armed with the knowledge of your status, you have the power to do something about it.
[Current Song: The Knowledge by Janet Jackson]
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