By Lisa Marie Piccolo
Staff Writer
Imagine finding out that you have a life threatening disease. Now imagine this disease will leave you very sick if you even get a common cold. Many people across the world have to find this out. This life threatening epidemic that has hit the world is HIV/AIDS. According to the Catholic Relief Services, “A cell infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) creates new HIV retroviruses, working to kill the cells that our bodies used to fight illnesses. AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency System, is the advanced form of HIV. Infections like tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other diseases take advantage of the weak immune system of a person infected with HIV/AIDS. HIV/AIDS is only transmitted through direct contact with contaminated blood – via dirty needles and open wounds, sexual activity, pregnancy/breast feeding or organ transplant.” Now, you may ask, why am I talking about AIDS? Well, on December 1, 2008, World AIDS Day will be held. This is a Day of Awareness across the country that teaches about what exactly AIDS is and how it is spread by the HIV virus.
How can you get involved with World AIDS day? Talk to your local doctor about what HIV/AIDS is and how a person can keep it from being spread. Then, talk to your friends and tell them the seriousness of this disease. Even one voice speaking out and talking about this horrible disease can lead to a chain reaction of people telling other people and spreading across the globe. This December 1, be informed and speak out about this devastating disease to those who you know and love.