One of the biggest risks for people who are having unprotected sexual encounters is contracting HIV. For a time in the 1980s and early 1990s, HIV was easily the most publicized of all diseases as millions of people around the world became infected. Over that time, treatments have been developed which virtually clears the virus from the body, although as of today there is no known cure or inoculation that prevents the development of the virus.
Although HIV had practically disappeared from the news since the turn of the 21st century, it is still quite prevalent in today’s society. In fact, many people may not realize that they have HIV until they experience the symptoms which take days, weeks, or even months to fully manifest.
What is HIV?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that attacks the immune system in the body. Left untreated, HIV develops into Acquired Immunity Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and is fatal as the body succumbs to disease and infection without the ability to fight them off.
Symptoms of HIV
The virus itself attacks the immune system which means that unlike other illnesses the symptoms are more likely to be the inability to recover quickly from a cold, flu, or other mild condition. However, HIV can be very difficult to perceive on your own so if you suspect that you might have the condition, you should get a blood test for confirmation.
HIV can only be transmitted through blood transfusion with someone who has HIV and unprotected sexual contact. The use of condoms does prevent the spread of HIV, although the safest method is to not engage in sexual contact unless you and your partner have been tested for the virus after your last unprotected sexual encounter.
What to Do if You Have HIV
If you find out that you have contracted HIV, then the first step is to get the proper treatment so that you can live a normal, healthy life. The good news is that treating HIV is now easier, safer, and more effective than ever. Today, millions of people are now living healthy lives by taking drugs that halt the spread of the virus and prevent the development of AIDS in their bodies.
However, you will need to change your dating habits as knowingly infecting others with HIV is considered a criminal event in many places. This does not mean that you have to stop dating. In fact, there are many HIV dating sites where you can find others who have the same condition so that you don’t have to worry about spreading the disease.
HIV dating sites are discreet, private, and allow you the ability to meet someone who also has HIV and is looking to continue on with a normal dating life. Just because you have HIV does not mean that you have to give up dating. There are HIV singles out there looking to be in a relationship which means that you can continue dating without having to worry about spreading HIV.