Human Immunodeficiency Virus cases in region 2 continue to escalate. Record shows that in 2011 there was only one case of HIV positive however last year has increased to six cases. This leaping number is very alarming since the Philippines is one of the seven countries that continues to experience 25% increase in HIV incidence.

HIV is transmitted from one person to another through sexual intercourse with a person infected with HIV, unsafe blood transfusion, unsafe injection and from an HIV-infected mother to her child during pregnancy, labor and delivery or through breastfeeding.

The virus attacks our body’s defense system that protects us from viruses. Immunodeficiency is a state wherein the body is unable to fight infections. Therefore making a person infected with HIV susceptible to tuberculosis, pneumonia and cancer.

HIV does not have specific symptoms or signs. A person infected with HIV may look and feel healthy. The only way to confirm HIV’s presence is when antibody testing is conducted.

The clinical manifestations of the HIV infection become clear when a person becomes ill. When these manifestations occurs the person infected with HIV now have Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS. AIDS does not show specific signs and symptoms. Once infected the syndrome will stay for life and the only treatment is to control the rapid multiplication of the virus to prevent the taking over of the body’s immune system.

Man having sex with man tops the mode of transmission. Unsafe sex has been identified to be one of the causes with high risk of transmission.

While the DOH is working double time advocating safe sex and advising people involved in commercial sex trade to voluntarily submit themselves into medical check up religiously, what people should be avoiding according to Dr. Susan Daran, HIV/AIDS program coordinator “are the pick-up girls because there is no assurance that they are safe unlike those working in a bar that religiously submit themselves for a medical check up and issued with medical certificate.”

She further stressed that “these people who are not undergoing medical check up does not even know whether they are already afflicted with the dreaded disease and may be the source of transmission to many people.”

You do not want to become a part of the growing number of HIV cases in region 2. Abstain, if not, practice safe sex. Be loyal to your partner. Once afflicted, there is no cure.