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There are few things more disturbing than contracting a life threatening disease
from sheer ignorance. In this day and age there is no real reason one cannot
access the information they need to reduce the risks of blood feeding. Unfortunately,
myths surrounding blood borne diseases and how they are transmitted are still
rampant. The most frightening myths are probably those surrounding HIV.
It is still common for people to suppose that one cannot become infected with
HIV via oral sex or blood feeding. The arguments for this usually involves the
claim that stomach acid kills HIV. After bodily fluids have dried, the risk
of becoming infected is very low as drying, "reduces the amount of infectious
virus by 90 to 99 percent within several hours."(According to studies conducted
by the Center for Disease Control) *
However, any break in the skin between the mouth and the stomach will allow
for penetration of HIV. Even tiny microscopic tears in the surface are enough
to allow the HIV to slip through. Small scratches may or may not be detectable
in the mouth, but they cannot be detected in the throat or the esophagus. Furthermore,
there is really no way of being absolutely sure that one is free from the microscopic
legions. In addition, the mouth is akin to a mucous membrane and will absorb
certain things, including HIV.
People who refuse to believe the above, for whatever reason, are putting themselves
and those they are sexually intimate with at tremendous risk. Freedom of choice
is indeed a wonderful thing. Using it to put others at risk is completely unacceptable.
If someone believes they are indestructible or somehow above getting infected
with HIV or some other blood borne disease, they can live and die in their own
stupid importance. However, loved ones should not be taken with them. Being
honest and up front about practicing unsafe blood feeding techniques (or unsafe
sex) is something donors and sexual partners deserve to know. Also, if said
people have web sites or message boards, perhaps they will not present their
unhealthy views as fact and spread misinformation everywhere causing those who
do not know better to make life threatening choices.
Bottom line, blood drinkers should make it their business to learn the correct
information about blood borne diseases and other risks associated with feeding
on blood. Spreading false information shows an incredible lack of respect for
the health and well being of those not only in the vampire community, but those
who interact with vampires, and society as a whole.
Below is a list of links that will be of some assistance for those looking
for accurate information. This is only to get you started and does not replace
doing your own research.
©2002 Ravena Lee
This article is presented as part of an ongoing effort to present other views outside of, as well as within, the online vampire community. Those of us who consider ourselves vampiric don't always look at things from the same viewpoint due to our life experiences. As such, the views and opinions contained in this article are entirely those of the author(s), and may not necessarily be shared by SphynxCatVP. The webmaster is not under obligation to update or otherwise keep current the contents of this article. Most importantly, only you can decide for yourself whether this article or any of the author(s) other views are useful or applicable to you - you are responsible for using your own reasoning and judgement, so judge wisely.
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