today and tomorrow: World AIDS Day

Hi lovely homosapiens.

I bet when you come across this post, you have actually guessing what am i going to blog about? ahahahaha, its WORLD AIDS DAY! 1st of December of 2008- today is a time to remember those who lost their lives to the epidemic. It also marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day.

World AIDS Day provides governments, national AIDS programs, faith organizations, community organizations, and individuals with an opportunity to raise awareness and focus attention on the global AIDS epidemic. We can even make a difference by getting involved in this campaign.

First and foremost, for your information, HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system - the body's defence against diseases. Three symptoms occurring together: fever, rash and a severe sore throat should always be considered a potential indicator of HIV infection. These symptoms usually disappear within two or three weeks. Other people may not have symptoms to start with. In all cases, without effective treatment the immune system will eventually become very weak and no longer be able to fight off illnesses. Beware of it if you just come across with peoples with those symptoms. Get immediate check up with the doctors.

And very often, we mistaken AIDS and HIV. Many people used to have those perceptions that HIV and AIDS are the same. Well the answer is NO. When someone is described as living with HIV, they have the HIV virus in their body. A person is considered to have developed AIDS when the immune system is so weak it can no longer fight off a range of diseases with which it would normally cope.

Most of the time, people living with HIV may find it hard to tell others about their condition as they worry that people will reject them, or they will experience prejudice from friends, family and colleagues. People living with HIV can also experience discrimination in their workplace, in healthcare settings (e.g. GPs and dentists), from members of their local community and through the media.

HIV prejudice is often the result of ignorance about how HIV is passed on and unfounded fear of becoming infected. Encouraging your loved ones and those around us to talk about HIV and find out the facts that can help to overcome this.

Besides this, Respect & Protect is inclusive and highlights the responsibility everyone has to transform attitudes to HIV and encourage actions that stop its spread.

The Red Ribbon is the international symbol of support for people living with HIV. Stop hesitating and play a role. Participate in this by customise your blog or website by adding our World AIDS Day 2008 Virtual Red Ribbon. Wearing a red ribbon is a great way to raise awareness about HIV as well as to break down stigma and prejudice, so make sure you get yours in time for World AIDS Day! For more information, CLICK HERE

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Apart of this, I got a message from Elaine after my yoga class just now.