Icon from a picrew by grgikau. Call me Tir or Julian. 37. He/They. Queer. Twitter: @tirlaeyn. ao3: tirlaeyn. 18+ Only. Star Trek. Sandman. IwtV. OMFD. Definitionless in this Strict Atmosphere.
First of all, I’m going to just talk about KNOWING YOUR STATUS!
“Why, Meanmisscharles?”
BECAUSE KNOWING YOUR STATUS IS SUPER FUCKING IMPORTANT, EVEN IF YOU DON’T THINK IT IS.
Being tested for HIV (and other blood-borne viruses, like Hepatitis C) is the first step in AIDS prevention. You should get tested if you’re having sex right now, if you’ve had sex, or if you think maybe you might have sex. You should also get tested if you’ve used syringes for substance use, are using syringes, or might use syringes for substance use, or are partners with someone that does. You can also acquire HIV from shared piercing and tattoo needles.
You should know YOUR status, even if you don’t know your partner’s status. Some testing centers offer couple’s testing - but make sure that option is one that you feel safe and comfortable doing.
A “non-reactive” or “negative” HIV test means that you can get on PrEP and keep your status that way, with correct and regular use.
A “reactive” or “positive” HIV test means that you can start ART (anti-retroviral treatment) that with regular and correct use, can bring your status to “undetectable” - which means that your viral load is undetectable on standard blood tests and you won’t pass HIV to partners through sex.
Knowing your status so you can take steps to prevent transmission, or start treatment, is about empowering yourself.
I know all the smart young people following me know this, but I still wanted to put something out there. I remember what it was like, before testing was available and I remember the people that fought so hard for this to be different than it was then.
a lot of HIV-positive people still face stigmatisation due to prejudices and misinformation. so here is a quick reminder that:
HIV cannot be transmitted through touch
HIV cannot be transmitted via saliva, tears or sweat
HIV cannot pass unbroken skin or gloves, meaning you can help an injured HIV-positive person without fearing infection
HIV medication is so good these days that it can push the viral load below a detectable amount, which means that the virus CANNOT be transmitted anymore! no, not even during sex!!! (which doesn’t mean you should just have unprotected sex; other STIs and unwanted pregnancy are still a thing that you have to keep in mind!)
the medication can have strong side effects though, so it is important to do more research and develop even better medication
not every person in the world has the same access to medication. it is absolutely vital that everyone who needs it can get easy and free access to it.
HIV is not a death sentence anymore!!! through education and free access to condoms and medicine we can keep pushing the number of new infections with HIV down and prolong the life expectancy of people already infected.
Please share this information, not just online but also with friends and family who might not know it. And if you can, donate to your local AIDS/HIV charity or if you want to support one that’s operating internationally then Elton John AIDS Foundation is the one I’d recommend!
The World Health Organization declared Dec. 1, 1988, the first World AIDS Day. On the 20th Anniversary, photographers and reporters reflect on their coverage of the epidemic.
Today, December 1st, is World AIDS Day. There are so many ways you can show support for AIDS research but you can start by simply wearing red today and visit WorldAIDSDay.org for more information.
