HIV/AIDS: The danger of becoming desensitized

HContributed by Iris Estrie

IV/AIDS is a sexually transmitted and blood borne infection (STBBI) that has serious consequences for those who contract it. It is indiscriminate to social status, age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and other markers. Its infection attacks one’s immune system. It is sometimes latent and can appear within 10 years of initial infection, which is why it is important to include screening for this virus on a regular basis. Because of its dormant and often misinterpreted symptoms, an estimated 27% of people living with HIV/AIDS are unaware of it. There was a time when this diagnosis resulted in certain death. Today, thanks to the combination of three anti-viral drugs known as the triple cocktail (or AIDS cocktail), those living with the virus can have a long, relatively healthy life. Although there is no question that rendering this a manageable disease is excellent news, it has also resulted in a blasé attitude toward HIV/AIDS, which is a dangerous consequence.

The quality of life of people living with HIV/AIDS will vary depending on their access to treatment. The disease requires that patients be followed closely by a doctor and several specialists. Younger people afflicted with HIV/AIDS are especially susceptible to early onset degenerative illnesses (arthritis, hearing problems, osteoporosis, etc.) even if they are diligent with their treatment. Another hurdle is the treatment itself. Medication must be taken at the same time. This may sound simple, but anyone who has had to take, or supervise the taking of medication this rigorously will admit to its being a challenge. There is also the inevitable question of discrimination. Living with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can influence any number of every day events. A visit to the dentist, where one must disclose their HIV status, or trying to justify to one’s employer why they have so many medical appointments, without necessarily telling him about their diagnosis. Let’s not even start with question of obtaining life insurance.

Romantic relationships also suffer a tremendous impact. When IRIS Estrie holds a workshop on the subject of HIV/AIDS, one of the first questions is “would you have protected sex with a person infected with HIV?” Not surprisingly, the answer is almost always, “no”. Ironically, these same people will admit to having sex with someone who’s HIV status is unknown or uncertain. It is no wonder that people living with HIV have difficulty finding a partner.

Serophobia is a manifestation of fear and aversion by certain people, towards people living with HIV. Like homophobia, it manifests itself through acts of exclusion or discrimination, whether implicit or explicit. Jean, a person living with HIV/AIDS says, "Socially speaking, you're a class apart, on an individual basis, it is sometimes easier”. The consequences of this disease are physical, psychological and social. People living with HIV/AIDS often find themselves isolated from their social network for a number of reasons including fear, discomfort and prejudice. Sadly, they also frequently exclude themselves due to loss of self-esteem and self worth. This diagnosis too often results in depression and even suicidal ideation which is why it is so important to listen when someone has the courage to talk about their affliction with HIV/AIDS.

The misconception that those who contract HIV/AIDS have somehow done something to deserve it is still far too common. The belief that this disease is only contracted through “lude” behaviour (inter-venous drug use, anal sex) is unfortunately prevalent even in this modern age. These prejudices are dangerous for many reasons, not the least of which is the misinformation that they perpetuate. It is by breaking down these ideas that HIV/AIDS will become a thing of the past. "Happiness belongs to everyone”. – Jean

Another dangerous fallacy is the belief that there is a cure for HIV/AIDS. The efficacy of the AIDS cocktail does not make it a cure. It can help many to live a longer, healthier life, but they will always be living with HIV. No one is invulnerable to this virus. This unbiased virus can affect anyone, including friends, family, co-workers, children, seniors – anyone. "Triple therapy may save us from dying, but serophobia kills our soul. – Jean

HELP & RESOURCES

IRIS Estrie (Community organization helping to raise awareness and provide resources about HIV and other blood STBBIS) 819-823-6704 http://irisestrie.org