South Africa

   HIV/AIDS in South Africa

South Africa is the country with the most HIV positive people present. Where it comes from and the cures for HIV are still a mystery; everyone has their own interpretation of where it came from but no one really knows. In South Africa the high percentage of HIV positive people are often criticized, but the people are not to blame for the wide spread of the disease because it takes a while for the disease to appear in the body.

                                         

                      What is HIV vs. AIDS?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a lot like other viruses, including those that cause the "flu" or the common cold. Your immune system can clear most viruses out of your body, but that isn't the case with HIV. The human immune system can't seem to get rid of it.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a syndrome, rather than a single disease, because it is a complex illness with a wide range of complications and symptoms. It is the final stage of HIV infection. People at this stage of HIV disease have badly damaged immune systems, which put them at risk for opportunistic infections.

     

               Where Did it Come From?

Scientists believe HIV came from a particular kind of chimpanzee in Western Africa. Humans probably came in contact with HIV when they hunted and ate infected animals. Recent studies indicate that HIV may have jumped from monkeys to humans as far back as the late 1800s.

 

 

Can you still have a normal life with HIV?

HIV positive men and women have the right to a full and active sex life. Sex can be a really positive way to feel good about yourself and your partner. Having sex can make you feel desired and valued, happy and fulfilled. It can also be hard to feel relaxed about sex when you have HIV because you may be afraid of transmitting the virus to your partner.

                     You can't fault the people if they do not know.

Magic Johnson joined by his wife in his fight against AIDS

Is south Africa a dangerous place to go?

High violent crime and murder rates have earned South Africa a reputation as a dangerous destination, but while crime is a certainly problem, the vast majority of it occurs in South Africa’s poor townships, which are seldom frequented by tourists. It is true that visitors to South Africa face risks that those to the Caribbean or Europe might be less likely to encounter, but with the proper precautions, your trip to the beautiful country of South Africa will be safe and enjoyable. HIV is one of South Africa’s health risks, with more than a quarter of South Africans infected. If you plan to engage in sexual activity, bring protection.