WORLD AIDS DAY 2010
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Wed, 01 Dec 2010
December 1 is World AIDS Day. On this day concerned individuals raise awareness about the continuing global pandemic caused by the spread of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV. AIDS has killed more than 25 million people since the early 1980?s and more than thirty million worldwide are living with the virus today. The first World AIDS Day was celebrated in 1988. This year?s theme is Universal Access and Human Rights.
Prominent sports figures living with the virus include former L.A. Laker Magic Johnson and Olympic diving legend Greg Louganis. Those who have died from AIDS related complications include tennis legend Arthur Ashe and former world lightweight champion Esteban de Jesus.
For the past few years, there were concerns about whether a boxer can get HIV when blood is spilled when the fighters are cut. The risk is there but cuts tend to bleed outward, not inward, making it unlikely that enough blood can be absorbed that can lead to infection. HIV infection does has a low prevalence in the Philippines, meaning that less than 0.1 percent of the population and less than 5.0 percent of people in high-risk groups were infected. That is a drop in the bucket compared to Sub-Saharan Africa. But HIV positive cases in the Philippines are on the rise and the people who are in charge of making policy in contact sports would be wise to re-evaluate their testing policy.
HIV is passed through sexual contact; through contact with blood or other body fluids (in drug addicts who share contaminated IV needles); intrapartum or perinatally from an HIV positive mother to infant. Contact with sweat, tears or saliva has never been shown to result in the transmission of HIV.?
So, as a friendly reminder - abstaining from sex is the absolute way of avoiding sexual transmission of HIV but if you have to do it please practice safe sex by using condoms. Having only one sexual partner and being loyal to him or her is also an excellent way to avoid HIV, IV drug users should avoid sharing needles. Health workers are advised to use gloves when in contact with body fluids.?
The virus is still here and we need to do more to stop its spread. If for any reason you think you have contracted HIV consult a physician for guidance regarding various counseling, testing and treatment centers.?
Be safe.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Rene Bonsubre, Jr..
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