World AIDS Day: A Call for Compassion,Custom T-shirts, and Cakes

The subject of HIV is a sensitive one, even today, in the postmodern age of ultra-liberalism, equality and changing cultural milieu. As misconceptions and prejudices still loom over the word,?a more compassionate attitude to the infected and AIDS victims can bring in a huge social change. The smallest act of kindness, and support can be the flame of hope in someone’s life.

As World?AIDS?Day falls on 1st December, here’s a note on creating awareness, fighting the stigma, and casting away cold-hearted?prejudices.

What is HIV??

HIV stands for?Human Immunodeficiency Virus.?The virus attacks the body's immune system and can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV infection can progress to AIDS, which is an advanced stage of the disease. People with AIDS have a weakened immune system and are susceptible to opportunistic infections and cancers, which can be fatal if left untreated.

According to the World Health Organization, HIV has killed more than 32 million people since it was first discovered in 1981. In 2017, 940,000 people died from HIV-related causes. As of 2018, approximately 36.9 million people are living with HIV worldwide. The vast majority of them live in low and middle-income countries. Sub-Saharan Africa is reported to be the most affected region, with 25.6 million people living with HIV.

HIV Transmission and Prevention

HIV can be transmitted through unprotected intercourse, sharing needles or other injecting equipment, or from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. It cannot be transmitted by casual touch like hugging, shaking hands, or sharing utensils with another person.

• The best way to prevent HIV is to practise safe intercourse by using intraceptives ( male or female).
• If you are pregnant and have HIV, you can also take antiretroviral drugs to help prevent your child from getting HIV.
• If you inject drugs, you should always use sterile needles and syringes to reduce your risk of contracting HIV.
• You should also get tested for HIV regularly, especially if you have unprotected intimacy.

Early diagnosis and treatment can prolong your life and prevent transmission to others.?

What are the Symptoms of HIV?

The symptoms of early HIV infection may resemble the flu or other viral infections such as mononucleosis. They usually appear 2-4 weeks after exposure to the virus and may include fever; sore throat; rash; headache; muscle aches; tiredness; swollen lymph nodes; and/or diarrhea.

However, some people may not experience any symptoms at all for ten years or longer: the reason why getting tested is important if you think you may have been exposed to the virus.?

World's AIDs Day: Actively Participate to Create Awareness?

December 1st is World AIDS Day, and this year's theme is "Reflection, Celebration, Rejuvenation." In other words, we're all in this together and should have empathy with an open mind rather than fear. As of 2019, approximately 38 million people are living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. While that number may seem daunting, there are things we can all do to show our support. A few of them include the following:

1. Wear Red (or HIV Custom T-shirts)

One way to participate in World AIDS Day is by wearing red. This small act helps show your solidarity with those living with HIV/AIDS and also raises awareness of the issue.?

If you wish to support and make a statement, why not design your own Custom Roundneck T-shirts from?Gubacci? You could wear it to spread positivity and show your support for Global Solidarity, Shared Responsibility. Just be sure to wear it on December 1st!

2. Share a Slice of Cake (or any food)

Sharing a piece of cake (or any other food) with someone is yet another wonderful way to express your support for?World AIDS Day. Spread the love and break bread with someone new! This simple act of kindness can go a long way in promoting global solidarity and trampling the myth surrounding HIV and sharing food.

3. Actively Support the Fight Against the Peril

Volunteer, voice out your support, get involved in as many ways possible for you. Reach out to the struggling or shunned victims, or those organisations who are helping them. Contribute your money, time or talents to support the cause. Participate in charity events and encourage others to do the same. Let the first move be yours this World?AIDS?Day to inspire those around you to consider and act in support of the struggling souls.?

Conclusion

Everyone needs to be aware of the facts about HIV and AIDS in order to help prevent its spread. It's critical to get tested right away if you suspect you may have been exposed to the virus so you can start treatment if required. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical in prolonging your life and preventing transmission to others.

This World?AIDS Day, let's come together and show our support for those who are living with?HIV/AIDS. Whether you choose to wear a red t-shirt, design a?custom t-shirt, or share a slice of cake with someone new, every act of kindness counts.?Gubbacci Apparel?supports the cause with its?HIV Awareness t-shirt collection. Together, we can make a difference.