How at risk are you of contracting AIDS?

By THOMAS RUE

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which seems to cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) -- when isolated outside the body - is easily inactiviated by diluted bleach or a variety of household cleaners. But have unprotected sex or engage in other behavior which involves exchange of body fluids with an infected person and you put yourself at risk of contracting a fatal illness which as yet has no cure.

AIDS will likely be remembered by historians as a scourge of the latter part of the 20th century, and a holocaust in certain segments of our society. The Pan American Health Organization estimates more than three million people in the western hemisphere will be HIV+ by 1995, with more than 90% of those infections resulting from sexual relations.

About 113,000 people are known to have already died of AIDS, but experts believe the actual number of AIDS deaths may be twice that.

The AIDS "syndrome" encompasses a specific group of diseases or conditions permitted by severe suppression of the immune system. HIV leaves infected people susceptible to infectious diseases that are usually minor in healthy people, including unusual cancers and a variety of other symptoms. HIV infection is considered to have advanced into AIDS when these diseases or symptoms appear.

Avoiding risky behavior

Behavioral changes begin with education. This can include talking in various forums, studying, writing, community organizing and political action. Although there is presently no vaccine which prevents AIDS or HIV infection, and no sure means of protection, there are several ways to cut the risk of becoming an epidemiological statistic, including:

Have sex with fewer people and only when you know their sexual and substance-abusive histories; committed monogamy is safest.

Use condoms and use them correctly.

Educate yourself on the risks of certain sexual behaviors, like anal intercourse, which can provide an avenue for HIV into the bloodstream.

Use intravenous drugs only by prescription and never share a hypodermic needle with anyone; don't have sex with anyone who has ever shot up illegal drugs.

Be careful not to abuse alcohol or other drugs to the extent that your good judgement is impaired.

For teenagers, the best answer is simply: don't have sex. Wait until you're ready for a special, permanent relationship. Then talk with your lover about AIDS and HIV antibody testing before having sex, and use condoms. Ask yourself, if I can't talk openly about matters of life and death, should I be having sex with this person? Sex is never an emergency.

Free blood tests

Anyone can walk into a free clinic, without even needing to give their name (or give an alias), and have a blood test for the presence of antibodies which fight HIV. Only people who have the virus have these antibodies in their blood. Anyone who has any concern whatever that they might possibly be infected may have their blood tested, with confidence that their privacy will be maintained.

"Anonymous" testing means your name is not taken. A code is assigned to your blood sample, which only you know. "Confidential" testing means your name is kept in a private record which can not be disclosed without a written release of information signed by you, or a court order. In most cases, particularly for an initial test, anonymous testing is advisable. Although confidentiality laws are currently strict, laws can be changed. Why put your name on a government list when you have the option of remaining a nameless statistic. Sometimes, such as if you have to document a medical disability, confidential testing may be appropriate.

In Sullivan County, at the public health nursing office at the shared facility in Liberty next to the mental health clinic, testing can be anonymous or confidential. All services are free to woman and men aged 18 years and older. There is no residency requirement. For an appointment, call (914) 292-0100, ext. 2717 (which is also the number of the AIDS Task Force of Sullivan County.)

Planned Parenthood in Monticello offers free confidential counseling and testing, for female clients only, who may schedule an appointment by calling 914/794-3704.

Wayne County presently has no testing site of its own, but free testing is available at clinics in Stroudsburg ([570] 424-3020) and Scranton ([570] 963-4567.) HIV antibody testing is also available through private physicians.

Most states have laws requiring that anyone whose blood is tested for HIV antibodies be counseled prior to resting and in the course of receiving the results. You will not be told the results of your test over the phone; you must return in person. If HIV antibodies are not found in your blood, the counselor will discuss how to protect yourself from becoming infected. If the results come back positive, supportive counseling and appropriate service referrals will be offered.

Living with AIDS

People with AIDS can survive a long time if they maintain hope. A positive outlook on life, the company of supportive loved ones, and meaningful, productive activity can help lengthen the life of anyone with a terminal illness. Professional counseling or support groups can help "positive" (HIV+) people tap inner emotional strengths. Such support groups exist in most areas, and can be located through local HIV antibody test sites.

Perhaps the most critical key to living long and well -- for people who are HIV+ -- is to maintain a healthy mental attitude, enjoying life one day at a time. As with the rest of humanity, personal and intimate relationships are crucial in this. Friends, family members and significant others of a person with AIDS can help by providing emotional warmth and physical contact, by sitting quietly and listening as the person talks about feelings and experiences, assisting with household chores, providing transportation, or helping with other mundane tasks.

Other factors in survival include eating a balanced diet, getting plenty of rest, and living a lifestyle which minimizes the risks of reinfection or infecting others. Use of drugs -- including so-called "soft" drugs like alcohol, marijuana or even tobacco or caffeine -- can weaken the immunity even of the "healthy" person. For someone who is HIV+, these substances can provide a literally fatal blow to an already weakened immune system.

There are numerous things which can be done to maintain a high quality of life for people who test positive for HIV, or who have AIDS. It is helpful if family members and loved ones undergo some formal training concerning the nature of the medical condition, as well as having their own resources for emotional support. The first step is to reach out.

[A contributing editor for The River Reporter Thomas Rue is a national certified counselor and certified HIV/AIDS counselor, who lives in Monticello.]

Front Page| Current Issue| Back Issues| Search
© 1999 by the author(s) — Duplication without permission is prohibited.
Entire contents © 1998, Stuart Communications, Inc.