HIV-AIDS: How much do you know about it?

Recently, we hear in the news a rise of HIV cases in the Philippines. Leading is Metro Manila, followed by Metro Cebu, and Metro Davao. Most of these reported cases were males. Authorities attribute this increase to the internet where finding of sex dates becomes easier, particularly among the homosexual and the bisexual population. Males having sex with other males is no longer a new thing in the country. So just in case, here are few salient fast facts about HIV:AIDS you might find useful.

What is HIV? What is AIDS?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is the culprit virus responsible for causing the disease called AIDS. The virus specifically attacks the cells of the immune system of a person leaving his immunity down, consequently making him susceptible to acquire other diseases and other forms of infections. This is in form or tumors, cancers, bacterial, fungal, protozoal, and other viral infections. This immune system debilitation process may take years, ranging from <1 to 10 years or more, depending on the immune status of the person and the availability of treatments. By the time that HIV has severely disabled the immune system and diseases are coming in, the HIV-infected person is now said to have a full-blown AIDS. 

AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It describes an acquired state of severely compromised immune system function with concomitant onslaught of a constellation of diseases (syndrome) that eventually results to the death of the affected individual.

*note: When an individual turns out positive for HIV on blood test but does manifest the signs and symptoms of the disease, he is referred to as "HIV-positive" only and not an AIDS case... yet. Only when opportunistic diseases start to appear can an HIV-positive individual be said to have AIDS.

How can you get infected?

HIV is found in the blood and other body fluids of an HIV-positive individual. Hence, it follows that you may get the virus when you have a direct contact with the blood, mucous membrane (i.e. the membrane lining of all other surfaces of the body not covered by skin, such as the oral cavity, vagina, anal cavity, etc.), and bodily fluids of an HIV-positive person.  

Body fluids that may contain HIV includes:

1.       Blood (primarily)

2.       Semen

3.       Vaginal fluid

4.       Preseminal fluid (aka precum)

5.       Breast milk

The transmission of the virus from the affected to the unaffected person occurs when the virus gains access to the into the body and into the living tissues of the unaffected individual. This can be brought about by direct injection of virus by contaminated sharp objects or when there is a break in the normal barriers of the body brought about by large and even microscopic tears  in the skin or the mucous membrane lining. 

Activities that predispose a person to acquiring the virus include:

1.)    Anal, vaginal or oral sex (arranged in decreasing order or chance or risk)

2.)    Blood transfusion

3.)    Contaminated hypodermic needles and sharps

4.)    Tattoos, piercings

5.)    Intravenous drug use (among drug addicts)

6.)    Exchange of blood between mother and baby during pregnancy

7.)    Childbirth

8.)    Breastfeeding

9.)    Other forms of exposure to one of the above body fluids.

How can you avoid getting infected?
Ways to avoid getting the virus are very logical. Here are some pointers relevant to the m2m setting that you ought to keep in mind.

On sex:

1.       Do not take undue risk. Casual sex with random strangers pose much much danger.  You don't know their background, lifestyle, and activities.

2.       Avoid unprotected sex with anyone suspected or at high risk of having HIV. Sex workers, multiple sexual partners, serial monogamous sexual relationships, drug addicts, those with multiple piercings and tattoes, etc. are among those at high risk for possibly harboring the virus.

3.       If casual sex is inevitable, practice safe sex at all times.  Use condoms at least.

4.       Avoid or minimize kinky sexual activities (or unduly rough sex) that may result to tears in the mucous membranes or cause injury and bleeding however mild it may be. The following are some practical facts about certain sexual practices (the rest not mentioned are for your mind to tinker upon):

§  Anal sex is particularly implicated in HIV transmission.  Rough unprotected ("un-condomed") anal sex causes tears in the anal cavity lining, predisposing to HIV transmission.  Unlike the vagina, the anus is not designed to be exposed to repeated heavy friction. Unprotected anal sex is a dangerous practice!

ü TRIVIA: uncircumcised males have a greater chance of contracting HIV. The foreskin exposes the glans of the penis to added friction and hence, the higher chance of tears.

§  The oral cavity is much more able to withstand tears, although this does not eliminate the probability of getting the virus. Oral sex can be safer, but not at all that safe. Moderation is the answer.

§  Kissing is practically safe, as long as there's no bleeding.

§  Mutual masturbation may be considered the safest of all sexual activities.

5.       Abstinence is still the best way to avoid exposure.  However for obvious reasons, this is quite impossible, unless you're a priest... a truly celibate priest. ;-)

6.       Be faithful to your partner. Only by doing so can you avoid or minimize the chance of getting the virus and passing it on to your partner.

On body piercing and tattoos:

1.       Ensure your safety. Only have these procedures done by qualified, duly trained personnel.

2.       Make sure your tattoo artist practice scrupulous disinfection of the tattoo machine used, or whatever that is called. The same applies to piercings.

3.       It is best (or a must) to always use new "sharps" in the procedure.

On hypodermic needle use:

1.       Avoid getting pricked by contaminated needles.

2.       If you're an intravenous drug user (i hope you're not), don't share needles with others.

Is there a cure?


Unfortunately, there is still no cure for the AIDS.  Drugs available only delays the progression of the disease. Attempts are made at developing vaccines. Intensive researches are still on-going.

My take home message for you…

We only have one life. Moments of careless pleasures can ruin a lifetime of health and happiness. So, be "good" at most times. Be "safe" at all times. Enjoy life to the fullest, but enjoy life wisely. Cheers!