Today I read an article about a drug which, when taken consistently, prevents the spread of HIV. As a nurse, and a proud queermo, this is definitely a topic of interest. I have a flock of gay boys, who I love dearly, and who all have had various struggles with STIs. Luckily none of my closest friends have contracted HIV, however it is still a huge concern within the community, and weighs on them as a concern daily. The original article touches on a number of different points. The idea that this medication will allow people, in particular gay men, to have more personal freedom and peace of mind. The flip side of which is that the medication may promote promiscuity and give the illusion that condoms are no longer necessary. An analogy was used that introducing this medication is align with birth control compared to the Plan B type treatment often being used now to prevent HIV.
I am very much in the camp of personal choice when it comes to this issue. I think that women should have the right and reasonable access to whatever birth control they deem necessary for their bodies. If they use it for their health, if they want the peace of mind, if they choice to be promiscuous, or they choose not to use it, each option is just that, THIER CHOICE. This medication should fall in a similar perspective. HIV is a prominent health issue, which should be addressed, within the gay male community. Gay men, along with women, are still a minority, especially in the context of healthcare, and it is our duty as a society to not continue to marginalize them by making decisions for them. All available options should be made available and education provided, so that each individual can determine what is best for them.
From a nursing perspective, I have a very love-hate relationship with drugs. So many drugs can drastically improve quality of life, or be essential to life. However, modern medicine is so recent in the grand scheme of things. Drugs are constantly changing and being reevaluated. Used in the wrong way or quantity, drugs can change quickly from the realm of positive force to negative. With this HIV-preventing drug, there is the worry that condoms will go out of favor and rates of other STIs will increase. If taken incorrectly the drug may lead to resistance which would hinder treatment if HIV was contracted. Additionally, every drug added to the body has potential side effects and complications, when considering treatment one must think of alternatives and if the benefits out way the costs. I still believe each individual retain the choice to determine his actions, but full education of the drug, and the benefits of condoms should be included in the excitement.
Read the original article here:http://nymag.com/news/features/truvada-hiv-2014-7/
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