WILL Weekly 6: AIDS Awareness Month

Our Programming Chair, Amanda Ercolino, has researched AIDS Awareness month. 

December is AIDS Awareness Month

What is AIDS? 

AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a chronic condition that is caused by HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus. Essentially, HIV damages the immune system so that the body struggles to fight infection and diseases, and if left untreated it becomes AIDS. You could have an HIV infection for years with little to few symptoms before it turns into AIDS as well.  There is no cure for HIV or AIDS, but modern medicine has been able to control the infection and keep it from getting worse, reducing the risk of getting AIDS. 

You can only get HIV from someone else that is infected. HIV is typically spread through contact with genitals, such as having sex without a condom, or through contact of blood, such as when people share needles or syringes. Also, a pregnant person can transfer untreated HIV to their child during pregnancy, or during breastfeeding. It is not spread through casual contact like shaking hands or hugging, sharing food, or even contact with saliva, sweat, or tears. 

The primary infection symptoms include… 

• Fever
• Headache
• Sore throat 
• Weight loss
• Cough
• Night sweats 
• Enlarged lymph nodes

Prevention 

There is no cure or vaccine for HIV/AIDS, however, there are ways to protect yourself and others from infection such as…

• Use a new condom every time  you have vaginal or anal sex. Furthermore, make sure you use a water based lubricant as oil-based lubricants can cause the condom to break
  • Don’t have sex if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), it heightens your risk of getting HIV since STIs cause open sores on the genitals 
• Use a clean needle. For those that may use illicit drugs, don’t share used or dirty needles with others, and seek resources for drug use
  • TCNJ’s Alcohol and Drug Services 
• If you know you are infected, let your current and past sexual partners know. This is how we prevent the spread of HIV.
  • Get in contact with your doctor to begin treatment in order to avoid progressing to AIDS 

The AIDS Epidemic: 1981-early 1990s

• 1981 – First Cases Recognized
  • 5 cases of homosexual men with a rare form of pneumonia known as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia was found in relatively healthy men
  • 26 cases of Kaposi’s Sarcoma which is a rare skin cancer was found in homosexual men in both  New York and California  
  • New York Times posts an article relating the mysterious cases to a “gay cancer” 
• 1982 – Center for Disease Control identifies  Four “Risk Factors”
  • These factors included male homeosexuality, intravenous drug use, Haitian origin, and hemophilia A 
• 1983 – Major Outbreak of AIDS in both men and women in Central Africa
  • AIDS cases have been reported in 33 countries so far 
• 1984 – Scientists conclude that AIDS is caused by HIV
  • 5,596 deaths so far from AIDS in the U.S
• 1985 – Case of 13-year old Ryan White
  • White was barred from school in Indiana when he was diagnosed with AIDS 
  • AIDS is now in every continent except for Antarctica 
  • Deaths doubles to 12,529 deaths 
• 1986 – Need for clinical research in terms of HIV and AIDS drugs is testified before Congress
  • Ryan White goes back to school after a 10 month legal battle 
  • Death Toll is now 24,559 
• 1987 – CDC launches “America Responds to AIDS “
  • Researchers found that all cases of HIV infection leads to AIDS after a long period of time 
  • U.S. bans HIV-infected immigrants and travelers from coming into the U.S.
  • FDA allows condom makers to advertise the fact that condoms help prevent AIDS 
  • Princess Diana shakes the hand of a person with AIDS, where it was believed that the disease could spread through casual contact 
• 1988 – Congress passes first AIDS legislation – the Hope Act of 1988
  • Researchers find that making sterile syringes available can help reduce HIV risk in injection drug users. 
  • World Health Organization (WHO) designates December 1 as World AIDS Day
• 1989 – AIDS Clinical Research by the National Institute of Health is federally sponsored
• 1990 – Death toll reaches 120,453 deaths
  • Ryan White dies from AIDS 
  • Congress passed Americans with Disabilities Act which also protected those diagnosed with HIV/AIDS against discrimination 

Impact and Stigma around AIDS 

Stigma is a social occurrence that promotes an “us” versus “them” mentality. It is because of stigma that people feel ashamed and embarrassed, potentially barring them getting the resources and help they need if one were to be diagnosed with HIV. It also leads to misinformation and lack of education in terms of understanding HIV/AIDS, which proves to be even more harmful. Stigma also is used against certain groups as well, in which the way that people think about HIV creates negative stereotypes on women, those who identify with the LGBTQ+ community, immigrants, people of color, and those who work in the sex industry. Stigma overall leads to people not being treated with dignity and respect and may even lead to victim blaming. Therefore, it is imperative that we remain vigilant in terms of AIDS awareness, and advocate for others in order to promote a social environment that embraces everyone and makes sure that no one feels ostracized.

• #awareness
• #health