Emmitsburg Osteopathic Primary Care Center
121-123 West Main Street, Rear Entrance
P.O. Box 1219
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
301-447-3310
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HIV Awareness In an era of viruses: HIV, Hepatitis B and C, West Nile Viruses: a queezy angst hangs over and adds to the general stress of daily living. Why, How, Who, What, When, Where rush to the consciousness and then gets firmly submerged in an attempt to cope. But naïveté has not solved or saved anything or anyone. In Frederick County there are 58 known citizens suffering from HIV or AIDS. This is probably an underestimation. This number reflects those who were brave enough to be tested, counseled and treated in the local area. Virus: a very selfish piece of DNA or RNA, the very building blocks of life, that are so intent on survival as a unit, that there is no concern for the whole. These units have been given keys to get into our cells. Once there, factories in each cell are commandeered to make unlimited copies of the rebel DNA or RNA. The cell is ruptured releasing the renegades into the blood to attack cell after cell. Because these are a part of the basic building blocks of life, it is very hard to treat the disease without also killing the very person that is to be helped by the treatment. Hard work and untold resources have been brought to bear to tiptoe around this dilemma and to bring hope and treatment. A DNA virus is easier to treat then RNA. Unfortunately, HIV is an RNA Virus. HIV (Human Immune- Deficiency Virus): A virus that hacks away at the foundation of our immune system, the system that protects us from infection by other diseases. The virus is slow acting. It affects every part the body— the skin, the heart, the brain, the eyes, the gut, the muscles... HIV in the advanced stage is called Auto-Immune Deficiency Virus. This means that there is data to show that the body is self-destructing. This is because our white cells called T-helper cells, with a nick name of "CD4's" are wiped out by the virus. Without these patrolling cells, invasions of the body by bacteria and other viruses are way too easy. Cancers form and grow readily. The body is mostly left without a police department, fire department or other protective forces. The anarchy is extremely destructive. The Biblical book of Job could have been the story of a soul afflicted with AIDS. Every year, in the United States, 40,000 people become infected with HIV. Thirty percent of those infected are women. HIV has become the number 1 killer of black and Hispanic women under the age of 30, and the number 4 killer of white women. The risks for HIV/AIDS includes any history of "street drug" use, casual sexual relationships, men having sex with men, opposite sex relationships with a person who had or has been exposed to HIV/AIDS, being a caretaker for someone who has HIV/AIDS and using their personal products--toothbrush, razors, etc., or by an accidental wound causing blood exchange. There is hope. With treatment, the average life span of patients with HIV is 30 years. With treatment, the expected life span of patients with AIDS is 11 years. A lot of living can be done during those years. Without treatment life expectancy is severely shortened. The treatment regimens are rigorous. A good support base is needed. It is also expensive treatment. Insurances can help. The state of Maryland receives $9 million each year from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to help with HIV prevention. Sometimes there are clinical trials financed by drug companies which cover much of the cost of HIV/AIDS drug fees. In the State of Maryland there is an AIDS Drug Assistance Program. You can contact them by mail or a visit at: MADAP Or, you can call them at: (410) 767-6535 or Toll-Free Number: 1-800-205-6308 The Maryland AIDS Administration: 1-410--767-0605 may lead you to some resources. Local assistance and guidance and HIV testing can be obtained from: Frederick County Health Department: (301) 631-3301 In Emmitsburg, on the 4th Wednesday of each month 1:00 to 4:00 PM, the Frederick County Health Department has a women’s health clinic. Their clients have access to HIV testing during their visits. Another resource:
This committee provides outreach and education to those at risk. Sometimes they have funds for financial assistance If there is risk there should be testing. Help is not sought or given without true knowledge of one’s situation. It is also important for all of us to get involved in teaching ourselves about the realities of HIV/AIDS and what we can do to 1) stay healthy, 2) help others stay healthy 3) get help when it is needed. If you have any concerns, it is important you speak with your physician. We are here to serve you. Any visit to a doctor’s office is a good time to ask questions and discuss one’s health in depth. Many people call their doctor for a painful wrist or a cold, but hold back with concerns that are even greater. Sometimes this will mean setting up a second appointment to enable the physician to set aside the time truly needed to give assistance, and perhaps a more thorough exam. Please talk to your doctor about all that really matters to you. We are here to work with you towards health. |
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