Living With AIDS

If you know you have put yourself at risk for developing AIDS, what should you do?  Most people know if they have a high risk factor for getting the disease.  They may have had multiple sexual partners and one of them may have been infected or have been an IV drug user.  Many people, although they know they are at risk, are afraid to see a doctor and be tested for the virus.  You may not have any signs or symptoms of HIV or AIDS for up to ten years or more.  That does not mean you are safe.  Your immune system is being attacked even if you are not feeling sick.  Testing is the only way to find out if you have the HIV virus. 

You should be aware that not everyone who has been exposed to the HIV virus would get it.  Patients who have the virus do not always develop AIDS.  These are important facts to know, but you should not be complacent about prevention and treatment of the disease.  You can get the virus by exchanging bodily fluids with a person who is infected with the HIV virus.  You can be exposed to body fluids by having unprotected sexual activity, sharing needles and syringes, or from having a blood transfusion.  The risk of getting the virus through blood transfusions has been reduced since all donated blood is now tested for the presence of the HIV virus.

You may also get the virus from transplanted organs, but again, this is rare since the mid 1980’s because of precautions that are now taken.  Medical professionals have a greater risk of getting the virus and need to be careful when dealing with any patients.  Protective latex gloves, masks, and goggles will protect you from contaminated blood or body fluids splashed on you while treating a patient.  The eyes can be an entry point for the AIDS virus if blood or other contaminated fluids should reach it. 

Once you have been tested and found to be HIV positive your treatment begins.  It may not be conventional drugs, but you start treating the disease with your attitude and life style.  Living healthy, getting enough rest, and taking care not to expose yourself to infectious diseases can keep you healthier, longer.  After the early diagnosis for HIV you may want to find a counselor or support group that will help you deal with the emotions that go with this disease.  It is your choice of which people you tell, but you will have more support if you tell your family and loved ones what you are facing.  If you choose not to do that, find a support group or individual counselor who will help you cope with the diagnosis.

Take an active role in choosing treatment for your disease.  Depression can cause you to lose interest in your health and treatment but this is something you should fight against.  Don’t put your life and quality of life in someone else’s hands.  You should always be active in the choice of treatment choices.

Education is the key to choosing the treatment best for you.  Read all the research and information you can find on the Internet.  Keep abreast of any new research and developments.  Stay healthy and when treatment is necessary, don’t be afraid to explore all of your options.

Important Information in AIDS and HIV Issues