Today, December 1st is World Aids Day and to be honest I just reminds me of what I need to do. The thought of getting tested for HIV is really, really daunting to me. While I know what I've done, and done right the prospect of my life chaining instantly in that moment is hard to handle. Emotionally it would be the hardest for me, HIV isn't a death sentence anymore but it does make life a lot more complicated. At some point I will have to get over this hurdle and get tested (as we all should). They say ignorance is bliss, but its just making me antsy.
I don't want to generalize but I feel that HIV is known as a remote issue, at least where I live. Teenagers don't talk about it or if their necessarily aware of it. To me most people just thing its a gay issue but its more than that. I guess its because we live in such an industrialized and modern country that we feel It won't affect us. But the truth is that 60% of people don't know their status. Since having not been tested, I can include myself in this group. I'm not trying to be preachy or offend but the statistics online and popping up on my Twitter feed this morning were alarming.
We can (I have), purchase the product(RED) t-shirts, we can donate money, we can support a cause. But ultimately charity has to start at home first, with you, and me.
This is a work in progress.
#worldAIDSday
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I definitely resonate with this topic so much. A month or so ago I got checked. I was so scared waiting for two-three days in order to get my results (I wanted the blood test not the 20 minutes rapid test). Thankfully, I did test negative.
I really do suggest getting tested. Even if you haven't had any sexual intercourse, it does give you a sense of peace of mind. The minutes or hours before receiving your results may be nerve wracking and will encourage your imagination to think of the worst case scenario(s), but when you do get your results and they tell you you're negative, it makes you even more appreciative of your life.
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