A Friendly Reminder

The Department of Health announced today that HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) are now an EPIDEMIC in the Philippines. Last month, January to be exact, they announced that it is alarmingly increasing but now they already confirmed the status of HIV and AIDS.

This isn't like Tubercolosis, Leptospirosis, Measles or Chicken Pox.

This is truly shuddering. The status Epidemic not only means national outbreak but it can also imply a lot of wrong perceptions from people.

Are we too immoral?

Are we unaware of the fact that AIDS is not cureable yet?

Are we being too ignorant nowadays? Are we tolerating this too much?

Are we gonna believe a religious organization to stop protected sex just because it promotes pre-marital and extra-marital sex according to them?

Are we gonna be brainwashed by their narrow-minded, traditional idealism?

Are we taking sex for granted?

OK, I get it if you really can't help yourself on unprotected sex but please make sure you have a steady partner who you know is also negative.

Having yourself tested will never be a loss and you can never be too sure nowadays. It's OK, it really is for your benefit. Disregard people who have stigma on AIDS testing. Let them be.

As for the others, please, please, please use a freaking condom, flavored or not, dotted or ribbed, just make sure you use them.

Be responsible. It's a must.

Just in case, here's a Mnemonic:

A - Abstinence from sex

B - Be FAITHFUL

C - Consult a Health Specialist

D - Do it Safely

AND remember, once you get it, there is no turning back.