AID's in Minnesota

Most known as Aids, HIV, Auto immunodeficiency disorder, a horrific, persistent virus that takes over our bodies immune systems. The disease was discovered in the 1980’s and was mostly known as AIDS. HIV disease slowly takes over the body by attacking our CD4 white blood cells. At first our bodies start producing more and more cells in efforts to fight off the virus. The individual will experience extreme flu like symptoms as the body’s defense is working overtime, but the virus has the upper hand. The virus reproduces slightly faster than our body’s defense, and over time the virus takes over and causes great damage to the immune system, making it hard to fight off common illnesses.

It’s now mostly referred to as HIV-Disease by professionals and others who work in the field. The term AIDS is used to describe the advanced stages of HIV-disease.

                The only way to get HIV is to come into direct contact with the virus. You cannot get HIV from brushing your hand across an infected person. The virus cannot be transmitted through intact skin, there has to be an open sore. It is passed through blood, semen, and breast milk. To be infected there also has to be a high enough concentration of the virus, the body is able to fight off very small amounts.

                HIV virus is spread during unprotected sexual activities. In some cases it is spread from infected mother to child during breast feeding. In rare cases HIV can be spread by unsterile needles in a tattoo shop or while getting a piercing.

                The virus can also be spread by infected needles during drug use. The addicts at times get so desperate that they’ll risk their lives. Some, don’t know what they’re doing, aren’t thinking of the risks. Many organizations and pharmacies in Minnesota supply sterile needles for sale or sometimes even free in efforts to stop the growing HIV epidemic. Yet uninformed people become infected every day.

                Over time the virus takes total control of the body’s immune system, making it hard to fight of even the common cold. There are antiviral drugs that lower the amount of HIV in the body, but it will always reproduce. Over time, without more treatment the virus will be at full force again. Without persistent treatment an infected person may fall ill with the flu and never re-cooperate because the body’s immune system is completely destroyed.

                There are many people uninformed, many people who are afraid or fearful of people infected with the disease. There are many common misunderstandings. Some people believe they can become infected by simply being around or touching someone who is infected. Some people assume anyone who is infected is either gay or a drug abuser. Common misconceptions, someone you know could possibly be infected with HIV and it would never be known. People from all walks of life, rich or poor, can be a victim of HIV. The disease knows no race or status.

                A person may go years without even knowing they have been infected, all the while unknowingly infecting others. Exactly why it is important that everyone is informed!

                There are many organizations that educate people about the disease and have services to help the ones living with the disease, such as the Minnesota AIDS Project. They offer support groups, housing, even legal assistance to individuals suffering with the disease. They have a hotline that offers support and answers many questions.

                Questions that people should be asking. What can be done to eliminate the risk of being infected? What precautions can be taken? Most importantly, Condoms eliminate a great amount of the risk from HIV and other STD’s. Unprotected sex is one of the leading causes of the spread of HIV. Never use a needle that someone else has used, unless it is sterilized by the appropriate professionals. Research any tattoo shop you intend on visiting, look around, and make sure you always receive a clean needle. Be cautious, never touch another person’s blood. Most importantly get tested! Learn your own status, and become informed.

                There are many caring people who spread the knowledge, inform people on the growing risk of HIV, and do their share in stopping the epidemic. From individuals who volunteer their time to distribute clean needles, to people who dedicate their lives to the cause.

                Elizabeth Leighton works for a group home in Minneapolis housing people infected with HIV-disease. They house people from all walks of life. “One of my girls a few years ago, her father was a politician down south.  She got into drugs and a lot of trouble. She ended up contracting HIV from sharing needles with folks she had never met before. She got clean while living in our home, and has stayed clean! Sadly, she’ll have to deal with the disease for the rest of her life.” Elizabeth explained how some infected people choose to keep using. “I think they figure their already going to die, which is my biggest fear!” Elizabeth is very passionate about her work, as many of her coworkers. They provide a warm home, hot food, along with rehabilitation services. “They stay with us for up to six months, and most of them get back on their feet and get back to living healthy lives.”

                Anyone can get HIV. Anyone can spread the facts. Anyone can make a difference. Anyone can do their part to stop the hate and misconceptions, anyone.