By Nacho Cortez July 13, 2019
Photo by Ebony Salazar
Having risky sex, worrying, and immediately starting an internet search about how to find out if you have HIV is a common pattern that repeats itself because the fear of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a reality that has not disappeared, despite the advances that have been made regarding treatments and achieving the elimination of HIV in seropositive patients.
Social stigma remains a problem. LGBTI groups like Colegas work daily to normalize the lives of people living with HIV. "We shouldn't be afraid of HIV itself. What we should be afraid of is the lack of knowledge about how it's transmitted or what measures we can take to protect ourselves. Simply practicing good hygiene before and after sex is a very important preventative tool," says Rutilio Martini, Health Coordinator for Colegas-Confederación LGTB.
"We shouldn't be afraid of HIV. We should be afraid of not knowing how it's transmitted or what measures we can take to protect ourselves."
A simple act like putting on a condom is an effective measure against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). "If we apply preventive measures, we have a significant reduction in the risk of HIV transmission. The important thing is always to research and educate ourselves to have knowledge about sexual health. Fear only serves to inhibit you now, but it doesn't work in the long run," explains Martini.
The fear surrounding HIV stems from prevention campaigns in the 1990s, which, as Colegas points out, were based on fear. "The 'don't do this' approach no longer works. Sexuality cannot be repressed; it is a fundamental part of being human," states the head of Health for this LGBTQ+ group.
For this reason, Colegas-Confederación LGTB demands "more and better" prevention campaigns regarding STIs, but above all, improved access to HIV treatment. "The key to the gradual decrease in new HIV infections lies in patients' access to treatment; this is crucial to curbing future transmissions."
RISKS OF CONTRACTING HIV
HIV poses different risks depending on sexual practices. Oral sex carries a very low risk of transmission. Saliva contains enzymes that have a protective effect against HIV. Because the virus is very fragile, it is deactivated upon contact with these enzymes unless two factors coincide: a wound in the mouth or potentially dangerous fluids such as blood, semen, or vaginal fluid. In such cases, the risk of contracting HIV from an infected person increases.
Penetration is another risk factor. Both the vaginal and anal mucosa are very sensitive and can develop tiny micro-tears during penetration that are not visible. If fluids are present, this facilitates HIV transmission. Using a condom creates a physical barrier.
According to data provided by Colegas, the prevalence of HIV in Spain is very low, estimated at 0.4% of the population. In major Spanish cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, Valencia, Bilbao, and Malaga, the incidence rises to 1.5-2%, and in certain urban areas like the Madrid neighborhoods of Chueca and Lavapiés or El Raval in Barcelona, the prevalence can reach 4 or 5%.
Rutilio Martini warns that efforts to curb HIV must continue. "The fact that HIV is relatively under control is an achievement for everyone—the scientific community, doctors… And this trend could continue in the future if we all do our part," he emphasizes.
From: https://www.consalud.es/pacientes/el-miedo-al-vih-y-su-estigma-social-el-reto-todavia-sin-cura_66382_102.html