Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a sexually transmitted disease that wreaks havoc on the adaptive immune system of a person who has been infected. HIV can also be transmitted through the sharing of syringe or other drug administration apparatuses. The virus targets the CD4 helper T-cells that then decrease the individual’s ability to respond to any sort of infection. Persons who become infected usually die from opportunistic infections. An opportunistic infection is one that is able to proliferate because of the persons compromised immune system from the effects of HIV. Although this is a terrible STD, we have come leaps and bounds in developing therapies and prevention methods.
One effective prevention method is a drug called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This drug is to be taken after an individual believes that they may have been exposed to HIV (less than 72 hours after exposure). This medication is an antiviral and when effective, will prevent an individual from becoming HIV positive. A study in AIDS and Behavior showed that the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS has prevented many people from using PEP and that awareness and pharmacy access directly related to PEP willingness. This study also found that being female and having a partner who has tested positive for HIV were also factors that increased an individual’s willingness to use this prevention strategy.
One recent article that I came across has to do with the current coronavirus epidemic and relates to an outbreak of HIV that occurred in Indiana in 2015. This current article spoke about how reluctant the then Governor Pence was at initiating a needle exchange program. Needle exchange programs are a low-cost prevention strategy that allows people to change their needles out for clean needles in order to reduce the number or reused dirty needles. The article mentioned his response to the HIV outbreak because now Vice President Pence is the point-person for the current COVID-19 epidemic. I hope that his experiences in the nature of the importance of time will prompt him to act quickly in the COVID-19 efforts.
Thoughts about Small Things 