What is all this fuss about? There are plenty of other viruses all around us. What makes this immunodeficiency virus different? There are plenty of other viruses that cause illnesses. And there are many of viruses that even could lead to death.
So, what makes this virus so special?
We have a lot of treatment to cure or suppress the other viruses. Why can’t we do the same with this virus?
This HIV is very different from other viruses
Illnesses and symptoms related to this virus were only described in the early 1980’s. The virus itself, was first identified by a French scientist a couple of years later. So this virus is relatively new in comparison to the other viruses.
This virus has no respect for anyone. It will go to all humans irrespective of colour, creed, religion, sexual orientation or status. It attacks the humans from within the womb, new-born infants, children, teens and adults of all ages.
This virus has invaded every aspect of human life.
Even in the privacy of your bedroom, your work, your schools, your relationships with your friends, family and colleagues this virus makes an impact.
The Immunodeficiency Virus has travelled to all the continents with the human hosts. The most heavily invaded continent is Sub-Saharan Africa. Here a high percentage of people are infected. Where humans are in contact with other humans the HIV can be found.
Although a huge amount of research and clinical trails is ongoing, we still have NO CURE!
Our antiretroviral medication attempts to suppress the virus, by preventing it from entering the human blood cell, minimizing replication and preventing the virus from maturing.
There is hope!
A cure could be found any day now …….
With knowledge we can spread a positive attitude and eliminate stigma.
MY FRIEND WITH AIDS IS STILL MY FRIEND!
Teresa Denton (1941 – 2014)
Teresa’s passion was HIV / Aids education. She worked tirelessly to ensure as many people as possible understood the virus. And every year on World Aids Day, she wrote a poem about it.
