Learn These Lesser Known HIV Risks Yet Nothing Bests Testing

The current status of the HIV epidemic depends on from where in the world you are viewing it from. In America, the numbers are still significantly high and growing even higher in some demographics. In other parts of the world, the disease has never stopped rampaging and is killing more people than ever. The most important tool in the fight against HIV and AIDS testing. In a vast majority of individuals, once they know they are infected, their behavior regarding transmission, changes for the better. Early testing also means an earlier onset of medication. Early testing means less infections.

Over the past thirty years HIV and AIDS has taken over twenty five million lives worldwide and it continues to be one of the world’s most common infectious killer diseases. More than one million people are currently infected with HIV in the United States today. This enormous amount—that we at home are afflicted with—seems like small beans when looked at through the wider lens of the world-wide community. Today there are over thirty-five million people throughout the world currently infected with HIV and AIDS. It is so important to get testing administered to these hard hit areas. Yet without the follow-up of above-adequate medical care, chances are that whether testing is introduced or not these numbers will continue as high as they currently are—and perhaps grow even higher.

HIV testing can change things. Recent reports indicate that if a majority of new cases were diagnosed quicker-than-usual and medication began earlier, HIV rates would drop. The main reason for this is that medications being administered today lower the rates of passing on the virus. Anyone engaging in any type of sexual activity should be responsible enough to make regular appointments with a certified STD testing center. It is only through due diligence as is testing that things will change. One person can make a difference—because one, becomes two, becomes three, becomes a hundred million strong!

As important as testing is, it is still important to understand how HIV spreads. Many of us have grown complacent. In other words, if we are not having condom-less anal sex with a heroin-addicted prostitute we think we’re safe. We’re not. Yes, undergo testing regularly — but understand the following infection methods and be careful:

There are the obvious infection methods that we’ve all heard about, ad nauseam. These include unprotected vaginal (and especially anal) sex, unprotected passive homosexual anal sex, sharing needles to get high, and being positive for other diseases that lower the immune system. If you are currently engaging in any of these behaviors please get to a HIV testing facility ASAP. But then there are these lesser known risks…

• Healthcare workers need to do everything in their power to avoid being pierced by any hypodermic needle in their presence.
• Blood transfusions and organ transplants. America has pretty strict testing procedures regarding this aspect of healthcare—but many mistakes have been made. Healthcare workers are only human, after all.
• Documented between infected individuals and infants is the transference of the HIV virus through the chewing of food. Caregivers who have pre-chewed food for babies have spread HIV to them. You may see some Hollywood starlets today espousing the joys of this type of feeding arrangement. Do not engage in such behavior—ever.
• Tattooing and body piercing can spread HIV if the needles used are not thoroughly sterilized. If you are interested in receiving a tattoo or a body piercing only visit a licensed individual who uses new needles with every costumer. These days many tattoo establishments do this. You will see them rip open a sealed package for every needle used.

This article is not meant to frighten. It is meant to underscore the importance of HIV infection—and for the testing of it. Once you decide that testing is for you, remember to patronize a certified STD clinic only.

If you currently live in the NYC area, please log onto STDCenterNY.com for more information on HIV and its painless testing procedures. Located just several blocks from Grand Central Station, this certified STD center is discreet and affordable. Call 1-212-696-5900 to make a convenient appointment today or visit www.stdcenterny.com. Extended weekday and even weekend hours are available. Most insurance also accepted. Get tested. The life you save may be your own.