Monday 11 October 2010

Monkey Blood

Please support Uganda Wishes!

Did an information session with AIDS Vancouver Island last week. Good preparation for the trip to Uganda.
I’m more of a risk to a person with HIV/AIDS if I’m unwell then they are to me. I never would of known that.
Had no idea the extent of bodily fluids that are capable of spreading the Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus (HIV). Definitely didn’t learn any of that in school. Well, OK maybe it has been a while since I’ve been in school.
Here’s what I thought I knew, or had heard:
  • The virus came from monkeys.
  • It’s transmitted through blood.

True the virus needs a way into the bloodstream to ignite. Didn’t know that it could be through vaginal fluids, semen or breast milk though.
While it keeps mutating in humans, the source I was told today by one doctor is irrelevant. It’s established - it’s here.
In Uganda the children living with HIV need assistance with nutrition to support their body’s coping with the anti-viral drugs – if they’re available to them.
My plan is to find a way with Uganda Wishes to document that need with hope. 

1 comment:

Holistic Sailor said...

Jane you are so brave and generous of heart with your upcoming volunteering in Uganda.I had no idea that Aids came originally from monkey blood. Thank you for this post.