Let's Go Back to the Basics

Hello Guys!
Good to be back.
I decided to post an article regarding Basic HIV Information,
some people call this HIV 101 as this is the foundation on HIV knowledge,
hope this could be of great help to you guys:

HIV education is so easy to remember as it is given a code 3-4-5, these numbers represent the important points to remember:

"3"
There are only 3 modes of transmission

1. Thru Infected blood and blood products
>this can be thru blood transfusion, organ transplantation or thru needle pricking accidents.

2. Thru unprotected penetrative sexual intercourse
>penetrative means "to get in" and all of these 3 modes have risk of transmitting the infection although they vary in the degree of infecting probability

a. Oral - lowest risk of acquiring the infection. The oral giver (sucker) has higher risk than the receiver (the one being sucked) of getting infected. Contrary to what others say, Oral sex may be a mode of infection although it pose a very little risk. But we must remember, a risk is
still a risk no matter how little it is.

b. Vaginal - women have higher risk of acquiring the infection, but the male partner has risk of having it too.

c. Anal - The receiver (bottom) have higher risk than the giver (top). Bareback sex is considered high risk since the anus has thinner walls than the vagina, another fact is that it lacks proper lubrication so a a very small or micro tear may be an entry point of the virus.

3. Mother-to-child Transmission
> During pregnancy
> During delivery
> Thru breast-feeding


"4"
The 4 body fluids containing too much concentration of HIV
1. Blood
2. Semen (including pre-ejaculate fluid or precum)
3. Vaginal Discharge
4. Breast Milk


"5"
The 5 ways of Preventing Transmission
A - Abstinence is the best way of preventing HIV transmission

B - Be mutually faithful (If you cannot abstain from sex and have a partner, please practice fidelity)

C - Consistent and Correct condom use (If you cannot do letter A and cannot resist temptation and cannot practice letter B, protect yourself by using condoms + proper lubricant)

D - Do not use drugs! If you do, please do not Inject! But if you inject, Please, Do not share needles!

E - Educate yourself. Do not live in the days of folklore or myths. We are in 21st century and we need to be well-informed with correct information.

Reminders:
1. The internet is a great tool of providing us potent information. however, we must choose things to believe in. If possible, consult a doctor personally regarding your HIV concerns. Remember, only HIV screening can detect the presence of HIV antibodies in the blood. You may have several symptoms that almost likely are related to HIV but please bear in mind that only HIV Testing can clear your mind of doubts. Some clients I have handled have lost so much weight, have prolonged dry coughs or diarrhea due to stress caused by paranoia of having HIV. Luckily, convincing them to undergo the test, most of them came out non-reactive (negative). It was only then they appreciate the value of the HIV screening.

2. If somebody comes out NR/ Non-Reactive, He/She is reminded of the 3 to 6 months window period which is the average length of time for the body to produce specific antibody to HIV, which is the determining factor for the presence of HIV infection.

3. Another thing is that, we have The Republic Act 8504 otherwise known as the Philippine AIDS Prevention and Control Act of 1998 in case you have an issue with the confidentiality of the testing, or any other concerns regarding HIV, this is the best guide you should look into.
Your worries will bring you no good. It will make you look sick eventhough you are supposed to be healthy. Remember our mind is so powerful. What you think this very moment, most of the times happens in a matter of days, weeks, or months. There is nothing you could do to ease yourself of the burden of paranoia. Face your fears, better soon than sorry. Have yourself tested and free your mind of worries.... hope to see you soon!!!

Testing is absolutely FREE and Confidential! Testing kits are provided by the DOH thru Global Fund.

for more info on the testing, please send me a message through Yahoo Mail or Yahoo Messenger

faceyourfearsandgettested@yahoo.com

add/msg me on FB http://www.facebook.com/faceyourfearsandgettested

follow me on twitter https://twitter.com/#!/AidanChosen

Thanks for viewing!

Aidan Chosen

AIDS Society of the Philippines

Online Peer Educator/Chat Manager/HIV Counselor
09164378396
09237018405
See you soon!
Ingat Lagi!