"Safe sex"
World AIDS Day is Monday, and it got me thinking about how much has changed -- and how much remains the same -- in the 20-some years since AIDS exploded in the United States.
Knowledge about how the disease is spread, how it attacks the body, and better ways to treat those who are HIV-positive are among the good changes.
But a nonchalance about AIDS appears to have overcome us. Perhaps because of the progress that has been made in treatments for the disease it's slipped from the spotlight, replaced over the past two decades by fears of bird flu and SARS and West Nile virus.
Yet AIDS continues to claim lives and new infections continue to be recorded. In California, between 5,000 and 7,000 people will learn they're HIV-positive this year. California health officials estimate 31,000 to 46,000 people in the state are infected with the virus that causes AIDS, but don't know it.
I'd like to think conversations are still occurring regularly about the dangers of having unprotected sex, and the need for people to be tested for the disease if they've been put at risk or put themselves at risk. But I can't recall the last time I've heard anyone talking about "safe sex."
Maybe it's time to re-read the 1987 book, "And the Band Played On," by Randy Shilts. He told the story of how government indifference to the disease when it first emerged resulted in an epidemic. Since then, health departments across the country (check the Fresno County Web site) have HIV-AIDS rapid testing and education programs. Is there any excuse now for the public to be indifferent?
Comments:
I think this topic is right on point. The timing is perfect.
There seems to be a increased level of complacency when it comes to HIV. People know about safe sex, but do they practice it?
We need to keep taking about HIV/AIDS, the risks, and focus not just on discussing safe sex, but to change peoples mind state when it comes to the matter. We need to get people to act on what is discussed. We have to push from taking about safe sex to having people practice safe sex.
I’ve seen more PSA and commercials discussing HIV, we need to keep doing that, and also focus on how it can be prevented by some simple steps. That’s where the focus needs to shift to from what HIV is, to real things that can prevent new infections, and that is get tested, use proven safe sex practices, and know that meds don’t solve everything.
Posted by: Ahmad Bahrami at November 29, 2008 12:25 PM
Perfect timing on this blog.
Yes, Monday is World AIDS Day but it seems to go unnoticed by a large percentage of our population. Maybe people think that the virus is not a threat to them or maybe they just don't care. Sadly, not caring or believing it is not a threat won't stop someone you know and love from being infected.
HIV/AIDS education and prevention messages are out in the community but, the community needs to take those messages home to friends and family, especially our youth.
Yes, those with HIV are living longer, healthier lives but they still have medications to take every day, they still feel symptoms of dizziness, vomitting, and fatigue to name a few. They still have to decide when and if to disclose their status to family, friends, and lovers. HIV/AIDS is not the cause celebre or movie of the week anymore, but I suggest that we take the time to see Philadelphia once again for a refresher course on what HIV/AIDS can do to someone.
I suggest we take the time to realize HIV/AIDS hasn't gone away it is alive and multiplying in our community.
Posted by: Toni Harrison at November 30, 2008 6:03 PM
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