HIV Case: An Alarming Case in the Philippines

According to the most recent announcement of the Department of Health, five people get infected each day in the country. New carriers are usually men who belong to very young age bracket. Despite the awareness campaigns by the government, the transmission of HIV through unprotected sex is rapidly increasing among men who have sexual contacts with the same sex.

As a man who engages in sex with another man, I know exactly how tempting it is to indulge in unprotected sex. Sex is difficult to refuse especially with someone that looks so pleasing to the eyes. Sometimes when you go to the mall, you come across a person that you find so attractive and this person shows interest in you too. He is like a mouth-watering chocolate that is so irresistible. He looks neat, clean and healthy. He is an opportunity that knocks (you) once. Your initial plan to shop is diverted to a pleasurable sex -- more memorable purpose on that day. Since it is unexpected, there is no time to buy a condom and you tell yourself "I will use a condom next time."

We are all aware that an HIV carrier has no single face. He can be a professional in coat and tie, a seemingly neat guy with bulky biceps, etc.  There is no physical manifestation unless the severity of the carrier's condition is already at advanced stage. I just wish there was an IPhone application that serves as an indicator to determine whether a guy is HIV+ or not when you take a picture of him.

Anyways, we should always be prepared for any unanticipated sexual offer. If you think that you tend to stumble upon someone you met on the bus or train, at church or school, at the mall or anywhere, keeping a condom in your wallet is a must. If you have a very active promiscuous lifestyle or you have multiple sexual partners and not being able to practice protected sex, you better undergo blood test for HIV. You have to have a sense of responsibility to yourself and to others.

Sympathy for the victims of HIV.

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