FACING AIDS

A 13-part series of features on AIDS in Alberta began appearing on provincial television stations and in provincial newspapers last month. The campaign is intended to provide Albertans with information and models for changing behaviors which put them at risk of HIV infection. Since AIDS was first reported in 1981, 323 Albertans have been diagnosed with the illness. Of these 176 (54 per cent) have died. Over 1,000 Albertans have tested positive for HIV, the virus that causes AIDS and it's estimated as many as 6,000 may actually be infected.

"I'm not worried. I've known him for years."

"Well, you look pretty healthy to me."

"She's lived in this town all her life-there's no way she could have AIDS."

If this is what you think when you assume someone is not infected with HIV, you may be risking your life.

Most Albertans understand HIV doesn't affect only gay or bisexual men and injection drug users. Yet, despite knowledge about HIV and AIDS, evidence shows our behavior continues to put us at risk. Both men and women can pass the virus to their partners through unprotected sexual intercourse or by sharing needles to inject drugs.

We can usually tell if one of our friends or family has a cold or flu merely by looking at them or asking them how they feel. Also, people with chronic diseases often not only know they are unwell, but generally look ill. Infection with HIV provides no such tell-tale signs.

A person can be infected with HIV for up to 10 years and appear perfectly healthy. People infected with HIV show no obvious signs of illness in the early stages of infection.

The lack of signs, plus their denial of risk, may be why many have not had the specific blood test for HIV. They don't realize they are infected. And neither does any one else.

Our images of HIV/AIDS have evolved over time. In the last 10 years, science has provided a more complete understanding of how HIV spreads and how the virus affects people living with the illness.

With that understanding, more people are putting their knowledge into practice. We know someone with the HIV infection may look well and feel fine. But trusting appearances doesn't work as protection against HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases. Practicing "safer sex" and not sharing injection drug equipment does.

For more information about HIV infection in Alberta, call the health unit in your community.

If AIDS is affecting someone you love, help and support are available from your community AIDS organization: Calgary (228-0155), Edmonton (429-2437), Grand Prairie (538-3388), Red Deer (346-8858), Lethbridge (328-8186), High River (938-4911) and Jasper (852-5274).

Watch Facing AIDS with Dr. Bryce Larke, medical director Alberta Health AIDS Program. For viewing times call 427-5266 toll free through the government of Alberta RITE number in your phone book.