HIV/AIDS 101 vs Welcome To The HIV World Faux Pas

Even with so much resources we can use to research, some people still manage to try to "break the internet" and bring chaos to those with, apparently of, the same mindset.

Case in point, this Facebook post that uncontrollably went viral online since Friday night:
  

But here's the thing: There's a thin line between being ignorant and just plainly stupid.
Now let me re-introduce you to your old friend which you consciously (or not) ignored: GOOGLE.


What is HIV/AIDS and How Do You Get It?

HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a particular virus can only infect human beings, weakens your immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection, and can only reproduce itself by taking over a cell in the body of its host. (Source: aids.gov)

While AIDS or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome happens when your body's immune system includes all the organs and cells that work to fight off infection or disease is "deficient," or isn't working the way it should, and a syndrome – rather than a single disease – because it is a complex illness with a wide range of complications and symptoms. (Source: aids.gov)

HIV can be transmitted through...

What are the different types of HIV tests and How is it done?

There are three main types of HIV tests:

HIV antibody tests. HIV possesses many unique proteins on its surface and inside the virus itself. When someone is infected with HIV, their body produces substances designed to neutralize the virus. These substances are called antibodies, and they are directed against the unique proteins of HIV. Unfortunately, these HIV antibodies do not eliminate the virus. However, their presence serves as a marker to show that someone is infected with HIV. That said, these antibodies produced are the ones tested for HIV infection. HIV antibody tests are the most commonly used tests to determine if someone has HIV. 

HIV RNA tests. The HIV RNA is different than all human RNA, and tests have been developed to detect HIV RNA in a person's blood. This uses a type of test called a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). These tests are important for newborn screening of HIV-positive mothers since maternal antibody may cross the placenta and be present in the newborn. These tests may also be helpful in detecting HIV infection in the first four weeks following exposure, before antibodies have had time to develop. However, they are costly and are not routinely used to screen for infection.

HIV combination test. The HIV combination test detects antibodies directed against HIV-1 or HIV-2, as well as a protein called p24, which forms part of the core of the virus. This is important because it takes weeks for antibodies to form after the initial infection, even though the virus (and the p24 protein) is present in the blood. Thus, combination testing may allow for earlier detection of HIV infections. Preliminary studies suggest that diagnosis could be made an average of one week earlier using the combination test, compared to antibody testing alone. The test uses a reaction known as "chemiluminescence" to detect antibodies and p24 protein. In other words, if either the antibody or the p24 protein is present, the test reaction emits light that registers on a detector. There is only one currently approved combination test, the Architect HIV Ag/Ab Combo assay. If this test is positive, it is recommended it be repeated. Tests that remain positive are confirmed with Western blot as described above.


Now here's what most people don't know and are not aware of:
How long does it take (incubation period) for HIV to be visible on HIV tests? 

On an average, antibodies take about four weeks to reach detectable levels after initial infection, and falsely negative tests may [most likely to] occur during this so-called HIV window period.

Individuals with negative tests and who had high risk for HIV exposure should be retested in two to three months. (Source: Medicinenet.com)


Therefore, the question remains: How long (days, weeks, months) did the victim described in the Facebook post decided to get tested for HIV after initial infection?


Search, Think, Reflect, Think Again Before Posting

In a world where facts and news, even hoax and make-up-stories can be easily spread through social media, it is imperative that we should always do our research and make sure we get our facts straight before posting (or even react about) something online.

Because sometimes, instead of spreading awareness for the intention to help and make people avoid bad things to happen, we are spreading misinformation.

Just like those of the same myths in the 90's: ignorant and very unbecoming.  


NOTE: If you want to get tested for HIV, here's a list of HIV Testing Centers.
If tested positive and needs help, here's a list of the HIV Treatment Hubs.

If you have questions/feedbacks, feel free to leave a comment or email me at RU12BrentRU12@gmail.com or on Twitter @BrentxRU12

La Douleur Exquise (Part 5)

La Douleur Exquise (French): The heart-wrenching pain of wanting someone you can’t have.

Everybody's got something to hide—The Ateneo de Manila Secret Files: ChemicalBrother

"Posting here might be inappropriate since I am already an alumnus. Nonetheless, the lessons are very fitting for undergrad students.

Everything started with my thesis measuring the influence of recreational drugs like ecstasy and amphetamine on human motivations. Out of curiosity, I also tried them and I enjoyed the feelings. From my source, I met other users and explored other substances as well. New chemicals always brought me to new heavenly heights. During our sessions, we sometimes shared needles and engaged in unprotected sex with both men and women.

I was aware of long-term detrimental impacts of the drugs on my health and intellect. However, I was young and stubborn, so I ignored those possibilities. In fact, I was able to finish my masteral in mathematics with flying colors, and I also received a scholarship to study MBA in Singapore.

After my MBA, I came home to rest for a few months. Then, I went back to Singapore to pursue a corporate career. I applied in a corporation that sells the number one smartphone, pc's and tablets in the world. I went through the usual application processes of exams, interviews and simulated real life cases. I passed all of them and finally reached the last step - the medical test.

The Agony and The Ex-tasy (Part 4)

Denial is a bitch that will make you believe anything. 

It started with a weekly fever. Then came the lose of appetite, annoyingly recurring boils that takes forever to heal, frequent cough and colds, and always feeling weak—the kind that strangely makes you hate taking the stairs, long walks, and stops you from going to the gym 'cause you can barely finish any work out routines even for 30 minutes.

Well, it got even worst. I used to work as a Business Solutions Manager and I can't tell you enough how stressful it was. Not to mention the long hours I spent in the office. But I'm never a quitter. And through hard and depressing days for months at a time, the only things that get me going are drugs, liquor and sex.

And, boy! Did getting hook-ups and casual sex from where I used to live couldn't be more easier than scoring one on Flappy Bird—you open up Grindr and gets at least 6 people hitting on you in less than a minute—California Garden Square.

Then shit happened, figuratively and literally.

Are We Sluts? (Part 3)

Some of you may have been waiting for this post, or not! However, I really appreciate that more than six thousand views (and counting), a few comments, couple of lovely emails and a few hate ones (apparently from the same mother fucking email address!)—in just 12 days after I created this blog from searching How to Customize a Blogger Template on Google and tweaked a few html codes and I tell you, it is NOT fun at all.

But really, I'm so touched I almost made it to multiple orgasms! LOL Ü

The Awful Truth (Part 2)

Years ago, I never get sick.
I was hospitalized once, I was in 3rd grade.
That never happened again.

Yet there I was... lying in bed. It was around 9 in the morning (the usual rounds of doctors in MMC) when the bomb landed in my lap.

I was mum. I couldn't answer the question because the first time I was rushed in the hospital - even though I hadn't done any recent HIV tests - I knew there was something wrong, that I felt I had it. I was afraid. Ashamed. Mortified. And it got the better of me.

Hello. My name is Brent and I am HIV positive. (Part 1)

After two years of trying not to entertain the idea of HIV/AIDS-related blogging (since writing is what I actually do for real and the fear that some people may recognize my style and choice of words), I finally gave in and started tweaking a few HTML codes two nights ago. Hence, you're reading my first blog post. Ü

I don't really know how to begin this with... but you know what alcoholics and drug addicts do on Anonymous meetings? That's right. So let me start with... "Hello. My name is Brent and I am HIV positive." Ü