It was only 30 years ago that HIV/AIDS was recognized as a disease but then it was called PCP for Pneumocystis pneumonia.  Scientists and the medical community didn’t know what caused it or how it was transmitted, but they did know that all of their patients died.  I remember hearing about it and feeling pretty scared and worried.  No, I didn’t know anyone who had it, but I sure knew people who were having sex!  That was the first news that anyone had, that the disease was communicated through bodily fluids.  The only thing that doctors could do was to help their patients die humanely. 

 Although it is still an epidemic and a problem in the United States progress is slowly being made.  Too slowly for many people, but a diagnosis is no longer a death sentence.  Of those who get tested and get a positive diagnosis, the information and subsequent treatment can reduce the chance that they will transmit the disease by 96%.  Even knowing that you have the disease reduces chances of transmission.  The problem that still lingers, beyond the lack of a real cure, only treatment, is that 25% of those who are infected with HIV do not know that they have it.  If you are having sexual intercourse, GET TESTED!  Protect yourself and your partners as well as the rest of us.

Written by www.labtestingnow.com