Li Ai (pseudonym) comes from a well-off family. After graduating from high school, her parents sent her to study in the United States. Before she went abroad, her parents repeatedly told her to prioritize her studies and not just focus on having fun.
Li Ai was very obedient. Her life in the United States consisted of a simple routine: dormitory, classroom, and library. She focused on her studies and rarely went out to play.
But as time went on, loneliness crept in, especially during holidays. During breaks, all her classmates went out to play, leaving her alone in the dormitory. Li Ai wasn't interested in foreign holidays; being in a foreign country, unfamiliar with everyone and everything, made her feel very uncomfortable.
Gradually, she stopped staying in her dorm all day and began to actively participate in various gatherings and activities, making many friends.
At a friend's birthday party, she met the tall and handsome Jack. After a few moments, Li Ai accepted Jack 's advances and became his girlfriend. However, Li Ai didn't know Jack very well . Unbeknownst to them, Jack had more than one girlfriend. Furthermore, Jack also had AIDS.
One night, Li Ai discovered Jack using nitrous oxide in a bar . She tried to persuade him to quit, but he wouldn't listen, which angered her. She considered breaking up with Jack , but she was already deeply in love and couldn't extricate herself . The next day, she arranged to meet Jack , wanting to talk things over. Jack told her, " To love someone is to accept them completely ." Ultimately, at Jack 's urging, Li Ai also became addicted to drugs.
Two months later, Li Ai went to the hospital for a checkup after falling ill and was told that her blood was abnormal. Further tests revealed that Li Ai was " HIV+ ", meaning she was HIV positive.
Li Ai has only ever had one boyfriend, so of course she knows who sent it to her.
Collapsed, helpless, desperate... Li Ai called her parents for help. Her parents were heartbroken and resentful that Li Ai was so disappointing. Half a month later, Li Ai's application for leave of absence from school was approved, and she returned to Chongqing to receive treatment.
I. What is nitrous oxide?
Li Ai's story has come to an end, but reports of international students inhaling " laughing gas " continue to surface.
So, what is nitrous oxide? Is it considered a drug?
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is an inhaled anesthetic widely used in industry, medicine, and as a food additive. While inhaling nitrous oxide produces a short-lived euphoria, the damage to the body is irreversible . Mild cases may cause neurological disorders, while severe cases can lead to complete functional impairment, paralysis, or even death by suffocation.
The dangers of nitrous oxide inhalation were proven in Li Ai's case. Examinations revealed severe damage to her motor nerves, rendering her unable to engage in prolonged exercise. Although she was able to run after treatment, Li Ai often felt weak and lacked energy.
II. Drug addiction + AIDS = making matters worse
When using drugs, users may share needles with others, which can easily lead to HIV infection through blood transmission. Some HIV-positive drug users may also further spread HIV through illegal blood selling, promiscuous lifestyles, and other means.
Therefore, drugs and AIDS often go hand in hand; where drugs are prevalent, AIDS is also rampant.
Thirdly, a reminder: Even without promiscuity, HIV/AIDS can still develop.
It's important to note that some people who don't use drugs or have promiscuous lifestyles still contract HIV. How is this possible? It turns out that HIV infection can occur during certain invasive procedures.
1. Tattoo
Tattooing creates wounds on the skin. If the tattooing tool has been used on an HIV-positive person without proper sterilization, the HIV virus could potentially enter the body through these wounds, causing infection. Although the probability is low, it is theoretically possible.
2. Beautiful teeth
During the cosmetic dentistry process, 80% to 90% of people will experience gum bleeding. If the cosmetic dentistry machine and equipment are not thoroughly sterilized, residual viruses may remain, which could lead to the blood transmission of HIV.
Whether it's tattooing or teeth whitening, any invasive procedure should be performed at a reputable and professional institution to ensure that the equipment has been sterilized in order to avoid infection with HIV or other diseases.
IV. What should I do if I'm worried about contracting HIV?
Is there a way to undo HIV infection? The answer is yes. After engaging in high-risk behavior, it is important to take post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medication as soon as possible to reduce the risk of HIV infection.
It is important to note that you must purchase PEP medication through legal and legitimate channels , ideally from a designated HIV/AIDS treatment hospital in your area. If that's not possible, you can purchase it online, but be sure to choose a licensed pharmacy to avoid buying counterfeit medication.
The post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) regimen for HIV involves the combined use of three drugs : tenofovir alafenamide (TDF)/tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) + emtricitabine (FTC)/lamivudine 3TC + dolutegravirana (DTG)/raltegravir potassium (RAL). The PEP medication should ideally be taken within 24 hours, and no later than 72 hours , and should be taken continuously for 28 days .
Studies have shown that post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) has a success rate of over 90%, and the earlier the medication is taken, the better the effect . In addition, it is important to monitor for adverse reactions regularly after starting medication, with HIV antibody tests performed on days 14, 30 , and 90. If any abnormalities are found, the treatment plan should be adjusted promptly.
In conclusion, under all circumstances, we must stay away from drugs and AIDS, raise our awareness of prevention, and avoid making one wrong step that leads to another. For overseas students, it is even more important to be vigilant and avoid drug use to prevent harming themselves.
References:
[1] Li Yunfeng. The epidemic trend of AIDS and how to prevent AIDS [J]. Scientific Health Preservation, Vol. 22, No. 12, 2019, pp. 10-11, 2020.
[2] [World AIDS Day] Drug Use and AIDS: Things You Must Know! . Guiyang Anti-Drug Bureau. 2020-12-01
[3] Is there really a "regret pill"? A comprehensive guide to HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). Guangdong CDC. 2021-10-14
