What is the situation in Poland, is AIDS still a taboo subject, are we still ashamed and afraid to research in this direction? We are talking about this topic with Ms Anna Marzec-Bogusławska, epidemiologist and director of the National AIDS Center

- Doctor, can we say that the AIDS situation in Poland is under control? Is the number of cases rising or falling?

Since 1985, we have detected about 19,000 people in Poland. infections. However, it is estimated that about 35,000 people live with HIV in our country. people. Hence, it follows that at least half of the infected people do not know their serological status, i.e. they do not know about their infection. Every day three people in Poland find out that they are infected with HIV. Every year, we detect approximately 1,300 new infections. It is worrying that the number of infections is increasing in certain environments. In the first place, they are men who have sexual contacts with men. And on the second there is a heterosexual population.

- Can we try to draw a general profile of the infected person?

He is often a young man, still a teenager or already adult, with secondary or higher education, more often a resident of a larger city than a rural environment, unmarried, usually freelancers, but it is not a rule. However, it's not just men. The problem also affects women who were unknowingly infected by their partners. Drugs cause just over one percent of infections.

- So the main cause of HIV infections are …

Since 2001 risky sexual behavior - unprotected sex, casual sex, with partners we know little about. It should also be borne in mind that the risk factors are also other sexually transmitted diseases - syphilis, gonorrhea, diseases that are increasingly occurring in Poland and especially in Eastern Europe. Associated infections are also hepatitis B and C, tuberculosis, in countries mainly Africa - malaria. These diseases are decimating the African continent, spreading to the countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia. And less than 19 percent have access to treatment there. sick!

- Meanwhile, Poles like to travel to those regions

Maybe less numerous now, but not the brave onesthere is a shortage, and travel agencies do their best not to go bankrupt … Well, this, and during such holiday trips many people engage in risky sexual behavior, holiday relaxation and alcohol are conducive to it. Only - and this is a problem we want to draw attention to - many people do not relate the possibility of infection to themselves. And such a risk should be viewed not only from the point of view of your own infection, but also of your relatives.

- That's why we don't test? Because we don't think HIV affects us?

When last year IPSOS conducted a survey on our behalf, it turned out that 87 percent. people said that the reason they did not take HIV tests was that it did not apply to them. But when asked who the problem is then, 53 percent. replied that… everyone. In turn, when asked who should perform such a test, 50 percent. gave the answer that everyone. As you can see, there is a bit of a contradiction in this, but it is not optimistic. It is clear from this - the vast majority of thoughts: anyone can get infected, but not me.

- In some countries, partners test for HIV before starting a life together

This is the most desirable practice. Such a test should be performed not only if you have had high-risk sexual behavior or drug episodes, but also if you are unsure about your current partner's previous sexual partners. Because, considering the risk of infection, entering into intimate relationships with a person is like entering into such relationships with all of their previous partners. Ideally, everyone who has changed sexual partners at least once should be tested for HIV.

- Maybe we are afraid to do such tests, because we don't want to know

But it's better to know than not to know and expose yourself to serious he alth problems! We have better diagnostics and better drugs. The early therapy will not reverse the infection, because there are no such drugs or vaccines yet, but it will turn the infection into a chronic disease with which you can practically function normally. Of course, as long as you take your medication regularly, for the rest of your life. We have a patient who has been undergoing treatment for 25 years, is a father, grandfather, and holds a high position in public life. There are many such examples. Just remember that the performance of the tests is very important, but the most important thing is prevention, i.e. behavior that will avoid infection.

- But how to get this prophylaxis "under thatched roofs", when the topic of AIDS is probably still a taboo topic, and we are afraid to undergo tests for fear of losing anonymity,stigmatization

The tests can be performed absolutely anonymously, free of charge, at one of the 30 consultation and diagnostic points in the country, and there you can also immediately take advantage of counseling, also free of charge. The addresses and telephone numbers of these points can be found on the website of the National AIDS Center - www.aids.gov.pl. You just have to remember that for the test to be credible, it should be performed only three months after the risky behavior. It is true that the infection can be detected earlier, two weeks after infection, but it can be excluded only after three months. This is called the serological window is related to the proliferation of antibodies.

- You mentioned better and better therapies. Today, children of infected women can be born he althy thanks to modern therapies?

Indeed, if we know that a woman is infected, we can deal with the so-called vertical infections - a child from the mother. But it is important that a woman, preferably already at the stage of pregnancy planning, has herself tested for HIV, and even more so during pregnancy, twice. And that she should remain under the care of a specialist the whole time.

Category:

Intimate diseases