World
Aids Day is an opportunity for you to learn the facts about HIV and
put your knowledge into action. To commemorate World Aids Day
(December 1st), I thought it was relevant to do a blog on HIV in
Ireland as it is rising problem within the LGBT community, in
particular MSM (men who have sex with men).
To
start off here are some key points about HIV.
- In 2012, 341 people were newly diagnosed with HIV in Ireland
- Out of these 341 people diagnosed, 166 (48.7%) were MSM which is the highest number ever recorded within the MSM community
- Median age group of HIV diagnosis in 2012 was 30-34 (52 cases), followed by men aged 25-29 (48 cases)
- Over 90% of people with HIV were infected through sexual contact
- HIV is not passed on through spitting, biting or sharing utensils
- Only 1% of babies born to HIV positive mothers have HIV
- There is no cure or vaccine for HIV
So
what is HIV? HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. When
contracted, the virus attacks the immune system and can eventually,
if left untreated, weaken the immune system to an extent where they
are susceptible to be infected by opportunistic infections and
cancers, these are known as AIDS related diseases.
AIDS
stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. A common misconception
is that someone who has HIV, automatically has AIDS. This is not the
case, with modern day medicine, people living with HIV can have a
flourishing immune system and can lead a long, healthy life.
How
is HIV transmitted?
It
can be transmitted in various ways but sex without a condom and sharing needles are the two main modes of transmission.
The
most common way to be infected with HIV is through unprotected sex
without a condom. When used properly and appropriately, condoms are
extremely effective at protecting against HIV transmission. It is
important to ensure you always use a condom when having sex,
particularly if you have more than one partner or if you haven't had
a sexual health check up recently.
Also
lads, when using lube, don't use spit or vaseline (or cooking oil,
yes I heard of that happening before) ensure it is a well known
lubricant and that it is water-based.Also, check the expiry date on
the condoms (we have all seen Grease).
Co-infection
– a not-so-fun fact.
In
2012, one in four MSM (27%) that were recently diagnosed were also
co-infected with an STI, the major STI being Syphilis.
The
thing about co-infection is this, you are much more likely to
contract HIV with an STI. STIs such as syphilis, genital warts and
herpes, create openings which allow for the HIV virus to get into
your blood stream easier.
If
a person who has HIV contracts a STI it increases the virus within
the body and can increase risk of transmission.
Symptoms
of HIV:
Within
the first few days (7-10 days) of contracting HIV, your body reacts
to it being in your system (seroconversion). During this period
70-90% of people under going seroconversion get severe flu-like
symptoms, including a sore throat and fever, and a rash on the chest.
Other symptoms can include fatigue, nausea and diarrhoea. If you so
happen to get these symptoms after having unprotected sex, you should
go get check out. Don't worry, the likelihood of it been HIV is small
but better safe than sorry.
After
the initial seroconversion, HIV can become asymptomatic, this means
there are no symptoms at all. This can occur up to 10 years as it is
a really slow acting virus. However, if still left untreated, the
immune system becomes so weak that AIDS defining illnesses can strike
and inevitably, death.
So
does this mean that if you do not have any symptoms that you
shouldn't get checked? NO! Everyone reacts differently to HIV. It is
up to you to look after yourself and go get checked if you have had
unsafe sex.
What
if I have been exposed to HIV?
So
if you have sex with someone and your condom broke and your partner
told you that he is HIV positive. Don't freak out. Modern medicine
has this amazing thing called PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis). IT
MUST BE TAKEN WITHIN 72 HOURS OF EXPOSURE! PEP can be found in any
A&E or GUIM clinic.
PEP
basically keeps HIV from making copies of itself and spreading through
your body and to date there has been no seroconversion cases of
people who have taken PEP within this time frame.
However,
word of warning, PEP is not like the morning after pill. It is a 28
day course of HIV medication and can have some bad side effects such
as nausea and diarrhea.
People
living with HIV
Modern medication means that a person living with HIV can lead a long and healthy life if they adhere to their medication. HIV+ people must take medication everyday for the rest of their lives. That's a bummer.
On the bright side however, this medication gives HIV people a healthy immune system and brings their viral load down to undetectable levels in their blood. When a HIV+ person becomes undetectable they are at a very low risk of passing on the virus. If you are HIV+ you can have a healthy sex life, all that is involved is a condom. It is that simple. Any sexual health consultant will tell you that they would prefer you to have a sex life with a HIV+ person who is undetectable and is using a condom, rather than sleeping around blind. It has become that safe. It is not the people who know they are HIV+ that is the problem, it is the people who do not. GO GET CHECKED. It can save your life and save the lives of others.
This
was my art project for Mr. Gay Ireland which concentrates on fighting
the stigma against people living with HIV. Isn't Pepe such a dish?
Statistics
for 2013 – Report published 13th November:
- 165 people diagnosed with HIV
- 82 of these cases were from MSM (50%)
- Median age was 33 years old (age range 20-70 years)
- The age group with the highest number of diagnosis was 25-29 (23 cases)
- There have been 35 of these cases that were only diagnosed after having the virus for over 4 years.
Table
1: HIV diagnosis by age group and probable route transmission
(resource:
health protection surveillance centre: November 2013 Report)
Table 1 shows
the age group of people who have been diagnosed so far in 2013. From
the table it is shown that the age group with the highest number of
diagnosis was the age group, 25-29. Lets stress this, HIV is found in
all sexually active age groups.
Table
2: HIV diagnosis by region of birth (based on country of birth) and
probable route transmission- January to November 2013
(resource:
health protection surveillance centre: November 2013 Report)
Table 2 shows
the prevalence of HIV within each ethnic origin that was tested
positive this year. From the table it is shown the Ireland has the
highest number of people recently diagnosed HIV+.
TAKE
HOME MESSAGE:
HIV+ diagnosis
is at an all time high. This can be stopped and ultimately be brought
to 0. Here are a few things that you can do to make this happen:
- GO GET CHECKED
- Always wear a condom, if you wear them enough, you don't even notice them
- Speak openly to your friends about sexual health and its importance
- Don't think you are invincible, HIV effects you for life and it is out there in all age groups
- Wear a red ribbon for World AIDS Day (Dec 1st) and bring awareness to HIV in Ireland
- Help educate people on HIV preventative measures such as PEP
Resources:
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