Highest HIV level in western Europe, well done Ireland.

strandroad

Samuel T. Cogley wrote: »

In fairness if 120 people who went through our education system contracted HIV then yes, yes it is.

I'd say the 120 is just a fraction of the real number. My friend had a very enlightening chat with her midwife, apparently countless STDs are found during the examinations of expecting mothers; there is not a lot of testing and a lot of bareback riding out there. Good sex ed won't eliminate it but it does help.

Wibbs

Samuel T. Cogley wrote: »

In fairness if 120 people who went through our education system contracted HIV then yes, yes it is.

To be fair Sam, it's an absolutely tiny percentage of people who have gone through the Irish education system. It can always be improved of course.

Franz Von Peppercorn

Wibbs wrote: »

To be fair Sam, it's an absolutely tiny percentage of people who have gone through the Irish education system. It can always be improved of course.

And who’s to say that it can ever fully work?

Do we think that people who don’t use condoms don’t understand the risks, of course many do - they just don’t like using condoms.

dav3

Franz Von Peppercorn wrote: »

In the 80’s gay Byrne actually demonstrated how to use condoms for this very reason - safe sex. That actually worked, sex education did in fact reduce the spread of the disease.

Not sure why it has risen since. Do you have ideas?

Yes.

https://www.hivireland.ie/hiv/prevention/

There are many ways to reduce the risks:

• Practice safer sex – use condoms consistently when having vaginal, anal and oral sex. Check out our guide to using condoms.
• Try to avoid contact with body fluids such as semen during sexual contact, and don’t share fingers, hands or sex toys.
• Remember that some sexual practices which may be described as ‘safer’ in terms of HIV transmission might still be risky for transmission of other STIs like syphilis or Hepatitis A.
• Get tested regularly. Keep in mind that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms. Testing is available free of charge in many public hospitals.
• Vaccinations are available for Hepatitis A and B free of charge from your STI/GUM clinic.
• There is a post-exposure treatment available for HIV and Hepatitis B. Details of this are in the section on PEP.
• If using drugs, do not share any drug using paraphernalia.
• Educate yourself, know the risks, and take responsibility for your sexual health.

Giveaway

dav3 wrote: »

Yes.

https://www.hivireland.ie/hiv/prevention/

There are many ways to reduce the risks:

• Practice safer sex – use condoms consistently when having vaginal, anal and oral sex. Check out our guide to using condoms.
• Try to avoid contact with body fluids such as semen during sexual contact, and don’t share fingers, hands or sex toys.
• Remember that some sexual practices which may be described as ‘safer’ in terms of HIV transmission might still be risky for transmission of other STIs like syphilis or Hepatitis A.
• Get tested regularly. Keep in mind that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms. Testing is available free of charge in many public hospitals.
• Vaccinations are available for Hepatitis A and B free of charge from your STI/GUM clinic.
• There is a post-exposure treatment available for HIV and Hepatitis B. Details of this are in the section on PEP.
• If using drugs, do not share any drug using paraphernalia.
• Educate yourself, know the risks, and take responsibility for your sexual health.

Would like to reiterate the above advice is good for EVERYBODY!. You know, just in case some posters want to conflate this with a sexual orientation

Wibbs

"and don’t share fingers, hands" That's some kinky shit right there. *clutches pearls*

Franz Von Peppercorn

dav3 wrote: »

Yes.

https://www.hivireland.ie/hiv/prevention/

There are many ways to reduce the risks:

• Practice safer sex – use condoms consistently when having vaginal, anal and oral sex. Check out our guide to using condoms.
• Try to avoid contact with body fluids such as semen during sexual contact, and don’t share fingers, hands or sex toys.
• Remember that some sexual practices which may be described as ‘safer’ in terms of HIV transmission might still be risky for transmission of other STIs like syphilis or Hepatitis A.
• Get tested regularly. Keep in mind that it is possible to have an STI and show no signs or symptoms. Testing is available free of charge in many public hospitals.
• Vaccinations are available for Hepatitis A and B free of charge from your STI/GUM clinic.
• There is a post-exposure treatment available for HIV and Hepatitis B. Details of this are in the section on PEP.
• If using drugs, do not share any drug using paraphernalia.
• Educate yourself, know the risks, and take responsibility for your sexual health.

Why do you think repeating the same instructions (which I actually replied to) is in any sense an answer to my post?

Giveaway

Maybe repeating the above message on reducing risk regularly on all boards threads may be a very effective public health message.

Giveaway

Wibbs wrote: »

"and don’t share fingers, hands" That's some kinky shit right there. *clutches pearls*

i remember a "Freshers Pack" from the 90s containing a latex glove as well as the standard condom, fact sheets and lube. was quite perplexed by it

Beanntraigheach

Giveaway wrote: »

Paradoxically a relative emigrated to a Southern African Country to work as a professional. he had to demonstrate that he had no HIV TB etc with doctors reports, certified lab results etc. The HIV carriage rate is circa 1/3rd in this African country and they would have not issued the visa if he could not demonstrate conclusively he had no infectious disease. He also had to provide evidence of medical insurance such that if he became ill he would not become a burden on their state. And i think the Southern African country is correct in this stance

Presumably the "alt-right" are in charge in that country.

lbc2019

Giveaway wrote: »

Paradoxically a relative emigrated to a Southern African Country to work as a professional. he had to demonstrate that he had no HIV TB etc with doctors reports, certified lab results etc. The HIV carriage rate is circa 1/3rd in this African country and they would have not issued the visa if he could not demonstrate conclusively he had no infectious disease. He also had to provide evidence of medical insurance such that if he became ill he would not become a burden on their state. And i think the Southern African country is correct in this stance

What country?

dav3

Franz Von Peppercorn wrote: »

Why do you think repeating the same instructions (which I actually replied to) is in any sense an answer to my post?

Well it's the best idea I have at the moment. As long as we're all discussing prevention, it's best place to start.

If you need to go back further on how HIV is transmitted, you can start here.

https://www.hivireland.ie/hiv/hiv-transmission/

HIV Transmission
In order for HIV to be transmitted it must get from the body of a HIV positive person into the body of another person.

HIV is found in:

• Blood
• Semen
• Vaginal Fluid
• Breast Milk
• Rectal Secretions

HIV can be transmitted through:

• Unprotected sex – vaginal, anal & oral
• Blood to blood contact (eg using contaminated needles, blood transfusions in countries where blood isn’t screened)
• Mother to baby – during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding

If people need to go even further back to some 80s style mythbusting around HIV, they can start here.

https://www.hivireland.ie/hiv/hiv-and-aids-myths/

Myths about HIV
HIV: The Myths and The Facts

There are lots of myths, rumours and wrong info around about HIV. This article aims to cut though these myths and come up with clear facts!!!

Myth: You can get HIV from kissing, using the same cups, plates, knives, forks etc. as someone with HIV.

Fact: This is NOT TRUE.

Even though there is a tiny bit of HIV in saliva/spit there is not enough to pass on to someone else.



Myth: You can get HIV from a toilet seat.

Fact: This is NOT TRUE

HIV doesn’t survive on surfaces like toilet seats.



Myth: It’s only the needle/spike that passes on HIV. If you don’t share needles/spikes then you can’t get HIV.

Fact: This is NOT TRUE.

HIV can be passed on from sharing any part of the works…needle, syringe, spoon, filter, water etc. Another interesting fact is that even though HIV can die within seconds of coming in contact with the air, it can live for days/weeks within the barrel of a syringe.



Myth: If you have HIV that means you have AIDS.

Fact: This is NOT TRUE

HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. AIDS is a term used by doctors to describe the damage done to the immune system by HIV. Many people with HIV these days will never get AIDS because the treatment keeps their immune system healthy and the viral load so low.



Myth: You would definitely feel sick if you had HIV.

Fact: This is NOT TRUE

Some people get a short flu like illness when they first get HIV but most people don’t feel sick at all. It can take many years for some people with HIV to feel sick but their immune system is becoming weaker. Getting on treatment early can keep your immune system strong and stop you getting sick.



Myth: Sharing needles and works with people you know and trust is safe.

Fact: This is NOT TRUE.

Just because you know and trust someone doesn’t mean you can’t become infected with HIV. They may not even know they have HIV themselves.



Myth: I have HIV and so does my partner so it’s ok for us to share needles/works.

Fact: This is NOT TRUE

There are different strains of HIV so you could infect your partner or be infected with a different stain yourself. This could affect your treatment options. Also for other health reasons it’s recommended to only use your own works.



Myth: Only people who inject heroin get HIV.

Fact: This is NOT TRUE.

It is not the drug that causes HIV. It doesn’t matter if you are injecting heroin, crack, steroids, tanning products, snow blow, hormones …..etc. It’s the sharing of needles and works that puts you at risk of getting HIV.



Myth: HIV can be cured.

Fact: This is NOT TRUE.

There is no cure for HIV. However there is really great treatment that can allow people with HIV to live long and healthy lives



Myth: If you have HIV you can’t or shouldn’t get pregnant.

Fact: This is NOT TRUE

Many women with HIV get pregnant, have healthy pregnancies and deliver healthy HIV negative babies. You will be looked after by a specialist team who will put a plan in place for you. The treatment available now means that the chance of you passing HIV on to your baby is less than 1%. However if you have HIV it is recommended that you don’t breastfeed.



Myth: Having HIV means you can only have sex with other people who have HIV.

Fact: This is NOT TRUE

Loads of people with HIV have healthy sex lives and relationships with HIV negative people. That’s what condoms are for!! Also if you are on treatment for HIV and are undetectable for at least six months you can’t pass HIV on to any sexual partners.



Myth: If I have HIV and I’m on treatment I can’t pass HIV through sharing works.

Fact: This is UNCERTAIN.

The evidence is clear that if you have HIV and are undetectable for at least 6 months you cannot pass on HIV through sex. There hasn’t been enough research carried out in terms of being undetectable and sharing needles and works.



Myth: All herbal remedies or alternative therapies are safe to take with HIV treatment.

Fact: This is NOT TRUE.

Some herbal remedies don’t interact well with HIV treatment. Check with your doctor/clinic to see what is safe to use.

lbc2019

Giveaway wrote: »

i remember a "Freshers Pack" from the 90s containing a latex glove as well as the standard condom, fact sheets and lube. was quite perplexed by it

Fisting

wakka12

OldMrBrennan83 wrote: »

You never hear much about it now. Can they cure it these days or something?

It is a chronic illness that can be successfully managed by taking a variety of daily drugs, there is no cure

SKILFUL

Franz Von Peppercorn wrote: »

In the 80’s gay Byrne actually demonstrated how to use condoms for this very reason - safe sex. That actually worked, sex education did in fact reduce the spread of the disease.

Not sure why it has risen since. Do you have ideas?

I blame Trump

lbc2019

Id imagine few young people now were aware of the death sentence that HIV/AIDS was in 80/90s

Atlantic Dawn

lbc2019 wrote: »

Id imagine few young people now were aware of the death sentence that HIV/AIDS was in 80/90s

Anyone not knowing about diseases spread from unprotected sex is an idiot, they should have to 100% finance treatment themselves.

lbc2019

Atlantic Dawn wrote: »

Anyone not knowing about diseases spread from unprotected sex is an idiot, they should have to 100% finance treatment themselves.

Thats very simplistic

Ten of Swords

On of the reasons that partially or fully subsidized PrEP is being considered for high risk categories by the HSE (and other health departments worldwide) is that it is cheaper, in the long run, than the cost to the HSE of treating someone with HIV using current methods.

Martina1991

wakka12 wrote:

It is a chronic illness that can be successfully managed by taking a variety of daily drugs, there is no cure

lbc2019 wrote:

Id imagine few young people now were aware of the death sentence that HIV/AIDS was in 80/90s

I think this is a significant point.
As HIV is more manageable, people might not understand the seriousness of HIV and werent even born when the AIDS epidemic was raging.

More cases may being diagnosed as more people are actually getting checked for STDs than before.

QuintusFabius

So it's mainly the MSM community?

That's the fake news alright.

Dontfadeaway

Giveaway wrote: »

https://www.hivireland.ie/hiv/prevention/prep-2/
a good outline on what Prep is and who for.

I disagree with it becoming blanket taxpayer funded. main indication is to protect high risk groups from contracting HIV from unprotected sex.
Widespread availability of free prep may paradoxically increase the number of cases of HIV by giving a false sense of security leading to riskier behaviour, and one is less likely to be compliant with the treatment regimen if it is free than if one paid for it oneself

How will it increase if people are on it? I'm sure many more would be on it if it wasn't 400 euro a month. :pac:

blanch152

Franz Von Peppercorn wrote: »

In the 80’s gay Byrne actually demonstrated how to use condoms for this very reason - safe sex. That actually worked, sex education did in fact reduce the spread of the disease.

Not sure why it has risen since. Do you have ideas?

It hasn't risen among people born in Ireland, as the figures I produced have shown.

El_Bee

Dontfadeaway wrote: »

How will it increase if people are on it? I'm sure many more would be on it if it wasn't 400 euro a month. :pac:

It lowers the chances of transmission, it does not 100% prevent it.

Giveaway

Dontfadeaway wrote: »

How will it increase if people are on it? I'm sure many more would be on it if it wasn't 400 euro a month. :pac:

quoting the CDC below. its not 100% effective even when taken correctly. Missed pills greatly reduce the efficacy
"When taken consistently, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at high risk by up to 92%. PrEP is much less effective if it is not taken consistently."

Gimme A Pound

Beanntraigheach wrote: »

Yet another example of how mass-immigration enriches our country.
Hooray! :rolleyes:

But it's not just immigrants. If it were, countries with higher numbers of immigrants would have higher numbers of HIV diagnoses than Ireland has.

I think it's a very good point about people not having a fear of HIV, either because of not remembering or not being alive for when it was a death sentence. There is far less public health initiative around it in the western world now.

But still though, that applies to other countries also.

Very strange that Ireland has the highest rate. Sex education - I don't know. I'm not sure school has to be the place for it. I got a very in depth sex education from my mother and doing my own reading into it. Are people really so clueless about the potential consequences of unprotected sex in 2019? (Just asking).

dav3 wrote: »

the poor moderating that allows threads like these to exist across the internet

Why should a topic as important as this be banned?

gmisk

Martina1991 wrote: »

I think this is a significant point.
As HIV is more manageable, people might not understand the seriousness of HIV and werent even born when the AIDS epidemic was raging.

More cases may being diagnosed as more people are actually getting checked for STDs than before.

I think you are spot on.

I would highly recommend a doc called how to survive a plague, its about the early years of the aids epidemic in the US heartbreaking stuff.

lbc2019

gmisk wrote: »

I think you are spot on.

I would highly recommend a doc called how to survive a plague, its about the early years of the aids epidemic in the US heartbreaking stuff.

And the band played on very good

and Angels in America

Dontfadeaway

Giveaway wrote: »

quoting the CDC below. its not 100% effective even when taken correctly. Missed pills greatly reduce the efficacy
"When taken consistently, PrEP has been shown to reduce the risk of HIV infection in people who are at high risk by up to 92%. PrEP is much less effective if it is not taken consistently."

Risk reduced by 92% is better than not being on it. People are already risking it without using protection so I can't see an increase in numbers if it was more affordable.

pumpkin4life

blanch152 wrote: »

https://www.hivireland.ie/hiv/hiv-in-ireland/

Here are some facts from 2017.

"Among the diagnoses in 2017, 39% were previously diagnosed with HIV in another country."

"Of the diagnoses in 2017, 26% (n=130) were born in Ireland, 63% (n=308) were born abroad and 11% (n=54) did not have information on country of birth."

Is it really a problem with our sex education?

Also male homosexuals have far more sexual partners than heterosexuals and engage in far more dangerous activities (drugs, promiscuity, some really nasty dark stuff there) and HIV is disproportionately a gay, immigrant problem.