The nature of the beast

So much misinformation on the nature of this deadly virus called HIV, is floating around. Some are still under the notion that it does not exist, some believe it does exist, but will never venture near them while some actually believe that they are resistant to it! As opinionated as some of these views may seem, i sometimes wonder if there is any iota of truth to them. If there is, i wonder why it has not been revealed to me. Some people are rather pessimistic and defeatist about this virus, believing that once one is infected, all hope will indeed be lost and one is to put his or her house in order, waiting for death.
The truth is that, the disease is very preventable and manageable. Risky sexual behaviour remains the highest mode of transmission for this virus. Abstinence from pre-marital sex, correct and consistent use of condom and fidelity to one uninfected partner, remains the best protection against HIV. When one is infected, the patient doesnt just die. Rather, the disease is progressive in nature, killing off the body's defence mechanisms until such a time that they are rendered powerless, and then AIDS sets in.
AIDS is another subject about which misconceptions flow around. This is no single disease, rather, it is the conglomeration of diseases affecting the now defenceless body. This is the final endpoint of the virus, HIV. When one is diagnosed of the virus, and adequate care, medication and healthy lifestyle is adherred to, the progression of the virus is slowed down significantly. Infact, the virus may never actually degenerate into full blown AIDS!
Remember, HIV is not a disease, rather, its a virus! We can help stop the spread by adopting rational and healthy and reasonable attitude towards sex and hygiene.