Sense Project

So, why do we make bad decisions when we’re naked? Well, I don’t think that even the most reputable social and natural scientists in the world would be able to provide a clear answer to this question or be able to agree on one. And, I happen to think that human beings are pretty complex when it comes to their behaviours and practices so the answer to this question might always remain an unsolvable mystery. This means that the only thing we can do is learn about what constitutes risky behaviours and practices that might put us in harms way and of course, educate others.

Throughout the month of November, the Sense Project posted a series of myth busting questions and answers, opinion polls, videos and other related content in the hopes of clarifying certain misconceptions about HIV/AIDS while pointing to prevention strategies. We began by illustrating that HIV/AIDS affects us here, in Canada. After that, we addressed the infamous “mosquito bite” myth, confirming that mosquitoes cannot, in fact, transmit HIV. This was followed by a controversial poll which inquired into the possibility that we live in a post-AIDS world. It was inspired by a very interesting talk I attended given by epidemiologist, journalist and author of The Wisdom of Whores, Elizabeth Pisani. Afterward, issues pertaining to HIV stigma were discussed with the help of provocative videos created by other awesome organizations such as AIDES and COCQ-SIDA. Then, we tackled particular sexual acts such as anal and vaginal intercourse in the hopes of illustrating that safe sex always needs to happen, regardless of the ways you choose to have it and/or your sexual orientation. Evidently, this provided the perfect introduction to a discussion on the ways in which HIV is transmitted and the different stages of HIV infection.

And, today is World AIDS Day which means that the Sense Project’s e-blitz has come to an end. Though, we hope that the month of November along with our regular programming has provided you with the opportunity to learn more about HIV/AIDS and well, we hope that we’ve better equipped you to fight against prejudice and practice safe sex.

So, please take a moment to reflect - to think about the millions of people worldwide who have died and/or who continue to be affected by HIV and AIDS. But, also, show your support.

Be fair, be aware and BE SAFE.

Cheers!!!

Chopstix

If both partners are HIV positive, they no longer need to practice safe sex. TRUE or FALSE? 

FALSE.

When both partners are HIV positive, they need to practice safe sex to protect themselves from contracting each other’s strain of HIV - a strain that could possibly be more aggressive and resistant to antiretroviral drugs.

As one of the stages of HIV, the Asymptomatic Period refers to the time between becoming infected with HIV and being able to tell that you’re HIV positive with a test. TRUE or FALSE?

FALSE

The Asymptomatic Period is when people who are HIV positive may look and feel perfectly healthy for a long time (up to 15 years or more), especially if they already have a healthy lifestyle. Even though the virus is breaking down their immune system, they don’t feel it. But remember, during this period, they can still transmit the virus!

The time between becoming infected with HIV and being able to tell that you’re HIV positive with a test is called the Window Period. It is between three weeks and six months but if you’ve had unprotected sex or done something else that’s risky, you have to wait three months to get tested to be sure the test is accurate. This means you can’t do any more high-risk stuff during that time or the test is no good! To know for sure whether you’re HIV+ or not, be especially careful to stay away from at-risk activities until your test results are in.

Also, the three months following infection are those when the virus is at its most contagious. And, while one’s use of antiretroviral drugs can help control the HIV virus in the bloodstream, levels of contagion can continue to spike throughout one’s life. That being said, HIV can be transmitted at ALL times. So, be aware and be safe!

You can get HIV from hugging or rather, touching an HIV-infected person repeatedly for long periods of time. TRUE or FALSE?

FALSE: HIV is transmitted via bodily fluids; namely, semen, pre-ejaculate fluid, vaginal fluids, blood, or breast milk. This means that you are putting yourself at risk of contacting HIV:

1.If you have unprotected sex.

2.If you inject drug, steroids or hormones and/or get pierced or tattooed with unclean needles.

3.If you share “gear” - sniffing or snorting equipment.

Also, HIV-infected mothers can transmit the virus to their fetus during pregnancy, at birth or by breastfeeding their child.

You can get HIV from hugging or rather, touching an HIV-infected person repeatedly for long periods of time.

TRUE or FALSE?