AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)

AIDS, (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a weakening of the immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), leaving the body susceptible to a variety of diseases.
According to Health Bureau statistics, there were, in 2007, a total of 21 cases of AIDS and HIV infections, among which 12 were transmitted through sexual intercourse with persons of the opposite sex.
The ratio of men to women with HIV and AIDS is 4：3.

AIDS is caused by a virus called the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV can be transmitted in the following ways:
    。Direct sexual contact with a person infected with HIV、
    。Sharing of syringes or personal items (such as razors or toothbrushes) contaminated with HIV infected blood、
    。The transmission of HIV by a mother to her baby during pregnancy or at birth.

An HIV carrier may not have any symptoms and their appearance is no different in comparison with an uninfected person. The incubation period for HIV can take as long as 10 to 15 years and the infected person may experience the following symptoms:
    。Flu-like symptoms、
    。Fever、
    。Weight loss、
    。Fatigue、
    。Swollen glands.

In the long-run, the immune system becomes severely damaged and gradually loses its ability to resist serious diseases, such as rare forms of pneumonia and skin cancer. Successive “opportunistic infections” will eventually lead to death.

Practicing safe sex is the best method to reduce the risk of infection.
    。Have sex with only one partner who is uninfected and who is having sexual relations only with you、
    。Use condoms in the correct manner、
    。Never share syringes or personal items such as razors and toothbrushes、
    。Use disposable or sterilized skin piercing equipment and follow standard hygiene precautions during acupuncture or tattooing、
    。Wear disposable gloves when coming into contact with blood。

    。You can take a blood test to detect the presence of HIV antibodies.
    。If the test comes back “positive”, this means that you are infected with HIV, and can spread it to others.
    。If the test comes back “negative”, that means that you either do not Have the HIV virus, or that you have in fact been infected with HIV but it has not yet produced the respective antibodies at the time of the testing.
    。It usually takes three months for HIV antibodies to develop after a person has been infected.

At present, AIDS remains an incurable infectious disease, but there are treatments available which can control the disease. Patients can take prescription drugs which reduce the concentration of the virus in the bloodstream, slow the development of AIDS, as well as prolong and improve the duration and quality of life of the patients respectively.
If you are diagnosed with AIDS, you should return to your doctor or clinic to follow up the progress of the disease and get the necessary treatment.

If you find out that you are HIV “positive”, it will come as a big shock to you.
Anybody who is thinking of being tested for HIV is encouraged to discuss any concerns with a doctor, nurse, or counselor beforehand.
The “Public Health Laboratory” and “Group for the Prevention and Control of AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Disease” under the Macau Health Bureau are dedicated towards the provision of preliminary and continued assistance for AIDS patients.
If you are HIV “positive”, you should, for the benefit of yourself and your partner:
    。Use a condom every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sexual intercourse、
    。Maintain a balanced diet, exercise and get enough rest to keep your immune system strong、
    。Do not allow other people to share your personal items such as razors and toothbrushes.

Dear friend, none of us can deny that sex brings us happiness and is fun!
A healthy sex life not only helps keep us fit, it also makes us look younger. Studies have shown that people who have sex at least three times a week may look more than 10 years younger than those who have sex only twice a week. Safe sex is therefore part of a healthy lifestyle.
Safe sex can reduce the risk of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. We can, by practicing safe sex, live a longer and more fulfilling life.
    § Have smart sex

        。Don’t be promiscuous; maintain a monogamous and faithful sexual relationship with your partner、
        。Establish good channels of communication with your partner, namely one of mutual understanding and respect, which will help maintain a close relationship, including a fulfilling sex life, and thereby reduce the urge to have casual sex with other persons、
        。Judging whether someone is “clean and safe” by their appearance is dangerous、
        。不Unsafe sex: once is one time too many.

    § Condoms for everyone

        Properly using condoms helps lower the risk of transmitting HIV and other STDs
        。Practice using condoms; they aren’t so complicated after all、
        。Don’t be embarrassed, buying a condom shows that you are being responsible、
        。Make sure to bring a condom at all times, don’t leave home without it.