Defining AIDS Once Again
With all the publicity AIDS has gotten
in the straight press recently, it becomes
apparent how rampant the misconceptions
about the disease are, among both hetero-
and homosexuals. Hence, we think that it
is important and pertinent for us to make
clear exactly what AIDS is, what the
symptoms are, some precautionary measures
you can take, and what to do if you sus
pect that you or someone you know has the
disease.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
(AIDS) is a breakdown of the immune
system, the body’s natural defense system
against disease. This breakdown caused by
the AIDS virus leaves the victim vulner
able to common bacteria and viruses that
are usually harmless to a person equipped
with a fully functioning immune system.
The most common infections found in AIDS
victims are pneumonicystis carinii, a rare
pneumonia form, and Kaposi’s sarcoma, a
lethal skin cancer.
The so-called high risk groups for
AIDS are gay and bi-sexual men with many
different sexual partners, hemophiliacs,
and intravenous drug users. But the dis
ease is not confined to these groups
alone. AIDS is known to be transmittable
through the exchange of bodily fluids or
wastes, especially during sexual contact,
and through blood transfusions or shared
intravenous needles. The mortality rate
of AIDS fictims is extremely high, up to
75% within three or four years after diag
nosis. Diagnosis of AIDS presents diffi
culty since the incubation period can be
up to three years and many of the symptoms
are indicative of other illnesses. Few
physicians are familiar enough with the
disease to recognize it quickly, but some
of the symptoms include:
-fever or night sweats
-swollen lymph nodes in armpits,
groin, and neck
-shortness of breath (even at rest),
with a dry cough (not associated with
smoking, colds, or flu)
-unexplained weight loss of more than
10 pounds over a two-month (or less)
period
-extreme, unexplainable fatigue for
more than a week
—purplish spots or bumps on the skin
-persistent diarrhea
If any or all of these symptoms per
sist, contact your physician for a check
up, but remember to not panic; these
symptoms cover a wide variety of other,
usually curable, illnesses.
No cure has been discovered for AIDS,
though research funding and public concern
are rapidly increasing. Presently
that can be done for people with AIDS is
to treat the symptoms and other diseases
and to hope for the best.
The old adage of "an ounce of preven
tion..." holds true for this crisis health
situation. Advisable prevention measures
include use of condoms, refraining from
releasing semen in youf partner’s mouth or
anus, and being very -selective in choosing
your sexual partner.
North Carolina has been fortunate in
having few cases of reported AIDS, but you
may, unfortunately, some day find you have
a friend, or even a lover, with the dis
ease. Remember that he or she will need
your continued love and support. AIDS is
not transmittable through casual contact,
so you’ve nothing to fear in that respect,
but whether or not you continue a possible
sexual relationship deserves serious
consideration.
If you have further questions on AIDS,
the CGLA office has a variety of free
pamphlets with information on AIDS and its
S3nnptoms as well as a listing of N.C.
doctors experienced in its diagnosis and
treatment.
-Don Suggs
Coming Out
in the Residence Halls
For students living in residence halls
at Carolina, "coming out" can be a
difficult process. There are feelings of
isolation and anxiety: Who can I turn to
when I need to talk? Well, not to worry,
there is a support system for gays in the
residence halls.
Your Resident Assistasnt (RA) is an
upperclassman who is there to be a friend,
counselor, regulator and resource to the
residents on her/his floor. RAs are
trained listeners. They can be very
supportive, and they understand the need
for confidentiality. However, it would be
very naive of me to say that all RAs are
comfortable discussing gay issues. It is
up to you to "feel them out" first.
Your Area Director (AD) is a full-time
professional with a master’s degree in
student personnel or a counseling-related
field. Therefore, he or she can serve as
an excellent support person for you.
Aside from this educational preparation,
your AD has worked in numerous university
settings and has extensive practical
experience working with students.
Sometimes students dealing with sexual
orientation issues do not realize the
resources that are available to them. It
is important for you to "seek out" a
"friendly ear." It could help ease some
of the anxieties that you have.
-Vernon A. Wall
Area Director
Hinton James dorm
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