AIDS is something we need to talk about. We must debunk the myths. We must remove the shackles of ignorance and intolerance so that we can stop this killer before it kills our children.
Why am I concerned with this issue? Admittedly, I'm in one of the lowest risk groups. I do not use intravenous drugs and have been in a monogamous relationship for over 18 years. But still, there is a risk to me.
Were I to get into an accident I might receive tainted blood, which I might, unwittingly, pass along to my spouse. But wait, you say, isn't all donour blood screened for HIV? Yes, it is. But the HIV is an insidious virus. Current tests check only for HIV anti-bodies, not for the virus itself. And because it may take up to six months to build up enough anti-bodies to show up on the test, a donour may well be infected for half a year before they even know it! While the chances of such a contamination are few and far between, the possibility of infection via tainted but undetected blood still does exsist, leaving everyone who receives a blood transfusion at risk, albeit a small one.
Quiet, deadly, sneaky. These are some of the reasons why AIDS has become a world wide epidemic of staggering proportion.
The National Institute of Health lists AIDS as the ninth leading cause of death in children between the ages of one and four. Nearly all are contaminated with this disease by their HIV infected mothers! And the problem is expected to get worse. The World Health Organization estimates that by the year 2000, 10 million children will be infected with AIDS and that 10 to 15 million children will lose at least one parent to the deadly virus.
Children.
Not gays, or drug users, or minorities. Children.
Still think you're not at risk?
Most Americans, particularily American youth, believe that AIDS is a homosexual or an IV drug users disease. They believe they can't get it. They're deadly wrong.
In Africa, where AIDS has reached epidemic proportions, it is spread primarily between heterosexuals. It is transmitted by blood through any activity wherein blood is exchanged. (Note: not by deep kissing or any other more casual contact, but by any kind of sex with an infected person.)
Still, there are high risk groups.
Homosexual males, IV drug users and those who engage in an overly promiscuous lifestyle (gay or straight) are in the most danger. What they, and everyone else for that matter need most is information. This subject must be discussed openly. It must be dealt with in a forthright manner if we are ever going to stop this deadly disease.
As a father, I fear for my children's future. An epidemic is growing and people and governments are burying their collective heads in the sand because of the manner in which this disease is transmitted. And to whom. It's time we stopped this maddness and educate ourselves. Adjacent to this page you will find several organizations that can give you information about AIDS. I strongly urge that you get this information and that you share it with a friend. It could save more than just your own life.
On another note, I will no doubt receive criticism for "giving" Paul Johnstone AIDS. I have done so as a dramatic vehicle and to get this subject "out of the closet." I am not a doctor and mine is a work of fiction. I have researched the subject, but am no authority on it. Information should be sought only from qualified doctors. Johnstone does not represent anyone in real life, but is instead a character unique unto himself. AIDS has motivated him into action as ShadowHawk. Whether or not this is a rational decision often comes up in the context of his story. This was never meant to offend or to trivialize this devastating disease. That said, let me urge you, once again, to please contact these agencies.
Let's stop the ignorance now.
