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Women most susceptible to HIV

Author

Windspeaker Staff

Volume

12

Issue

13

Year

1994

Page 12

Women are particularly at risk of getting HIV, the virus that leads to AIDS, for a number of reasons.

"The cards seem to be stacked against them," says Dr. Bryce Larke, Medical Director of Alberta Health's Provincial AIDS program.

First, studies and experience indicate that the spread of HIV is more likely to occur from men to women than from women to men. Second, and just as serious, is the empowerment issue. Many women may not feel they have a choice when it comes to insisting on the kinds of behavior that reduce risk, such as using a condom or having sex without intercourse.

And third, if they get HIV, women's symptoms can differ dramatically from men's, which has often led to a delayed diagnosis in the recent past. Warning signs of HIV infection can be abnormal PAP tests, chronic fatigue, frequent vaginal yeast infections, unexplained weight loss, fever and diarrhea.

But these may be missed as symptoms and early indicators of HIV infection. The presence of sexually transmitted diseases, such as herpes and chlamydia, mean that the person has been involved in risky behavior. Generally speaking, women are neither being encouraged by the medical profession to get HIV tested, nor are they going for tests on their own initiative.

The risk of contact with an HIV-infected person is increasing. In the 1980s, there was less risk of actually getting the virus because few people were infected.

The fact is, HIV is predominantly a sexually transmitted disease. Unprotected sexual intercourse with infected persons, whatever their sexual orientation or gender, is driving the epidemic. And whether male or female, there is no sure way to tell if a sexual partner is HIV-positive except by a blood test.

It's a fact that brings into sharp focus what's necessary to alter the spread of the disease. Ultimately, men and women have to take responsibility for their own safety.

It's a responsibility not currently taken seriously enough. Risky sexual behaviors appear to be widespread, even among young people, many of whom have had the benefit of AIDS education. According to a 1992 survey, Listening to Albertans who risk getting HIV/AIDS, almost half of those surveyed who are or have been at risk of HIV stated that even though they knew about HIV, their risky behavior had not changed.

Knowledge is not being reflected in behaviors. It's a situation made more difficult by the fact that the disease might not show up for 10 to 12 years. Many young people, 10 to 12 years down the road can seem like a lifetime away.

Despite this, Dr. Larke believes the young can turn the AIDS epidemic around.

"This is, after all, a preventable disease. And more and more of our young people are entering their sexual years with more knowledge, with a bigger sense of responsibility and as more equal partners in their relationships. The young truly are our hope for the future.