HIV & COVID19
September 24th 2020
Hey There Caddyshackers,
Freddy Mercury surfboard by artist AyJay
The birds are swooping, the cows are mooing and the sheep are having babies! All signs that spring is in full swing and warmer days are approaching.
We love a good series, and right now we are in the middle of our blog series on blood borne viruses. If you missed our last blog on Hepatitis C you would have missed out on a fantastic project we are loving right now. But never to fear - you can go back and catch up on our Hep C blog right now!
HIV & COVID19
Following on with our blood borne viruses theme this month, this blog addresses HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
It is interesting that we are talking about Viruses this month, given the new virus that has entered our lives… Covid 19.
The experience of Covid 19 has been an interesting moment of reflection for some but viruses are not new to us in the world of sexual health with witnessing discrimination and stigma, as well as holding onto dreams of vaccinations and cures.
What is new to most of us though are the death stare glances you get when you sneeze or cough. Glances that suggest you could be risking the lives of others. Memories of a plague bounce back and lyrics to the song “ring a ring a rosie” come to mind, “a- tishoo, a-tishoo, we all fall down!”.
For weeks tuning into media became difficult, as news of deaths across the globe from this pandemic took a hold. Scenes of mass grave sites in New York City, took us back to the 80’s at a time where AIDS was taking the lives of thousands of young men and similar scenes unfolded.
With all the change in the world, are things much the same?
What have we learnt from HIV?
Perhaps HIV has taught us resilience, opened our minds to acceptance, helped us to eventually get back to meaningful life events (i.e. sex) without fear, how to use protection as a measure against viral infection.
Maybe, just maybe, we somewhat know how it feels to have a virus, to be ostracized, to be looked down upon and to live with the uncertainty of health and face the real possibility of death.
Our HIV warriors faced all of this and continue to fight the fight. Every. Single. Day.
Nearly 40 years into the HIV journey there is still no vaccine, still no cure. Yet scientists have us believing there will be a vaccine for Covid 19 within 12months.
What a wonderful world it would be if we took this time to graciously reflect on the journey of our HIV warriors so far.
That instead of being quick to judge, to pass opinion, stigmatize and discriminate we took the time to listen to their stories.
We each have a chance to be a positive, happy part of someone’s journey. What if we choose empathy over assumption? Can you challenge yourself to try?
Because now, we all realize we are vulnerable to a virus. Viruses have no power to discriminate, so why should we?
In the words of the late Lady Diana Princess of Wales
“HIV does not make people dangerous to know, so you can shake their hands and give them a hug: Heaven knows they need it”.
If only she had the foresight to see what would have unfolded in 2020!
What we are loving right now
Whilst ever stigma and discrimination is attached to HIV, there will always be barriers to testing.
That is why, right now we are loving the free NSW Health DBS kit, or the Dry Blood Spot kit.
If you meet the criteria, the kit allows you to test for HIV (and Hepatitis C) from the privacy of your home if you’re a NSW resident.
An alternative to test at home is the Atomo Kit which costs $25.00 plus postage and handling and can be ordered by anyone in Australia.
Want more info?
The virtual 23rd International AIDS conference took place in July.
For the keen beans, data dudes and super interested amongst us, you can check out all the latest findings, reports and presentations from the conference.
Closer to home the Australasian HIV&AIDS and Sexual Health conference is coming up in November.
Until next time
Peace, Love, Protection & Open Hearts
x