Recently, an unlicensed acupuncturist in Switzerland was found to have intentionally infected 16 people with HIV over the course of a decade. Although it is unclear what his motivation was, this man intentionally infected people the same way that drug users infect themselves and others. Needles are an extremely effective way to introduce medicine into the body, and IVs are used to help patients absorb nutrients and become hydrated if they are sick or in poor condition. However, needles are also extremely effective at introducing blood-borne illnesses like HIV or AIDS.
HIV and AIDS are both extremely dangerous and potentially lethal diseases that can be spread through blood or body fluid and are associated with intravenous drug use.
It is approximated that 34 million people worldwide are currently living with AIDS or HIV, though it is difficult to determine the method of infection is most prominent. Of the people living in the United States who are currently diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, approximately 350,000 people contracted the disease by injecting drugs.
HIV and AIDS stand for human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome respectively. After contracting HIV there is a period where the infected person shows little to no signs of infection, then has the ability to develop into AIDS.
There is no set timetable for this, but at any point after initial infection it is possible to pass the infection on to others even if you see no symptoms. It’s common that when an infected person is unaware that they carry HIV that they unintentionally spread it to others during intravenous drug use or sexual encounters. However, it’s important to note that in some cases people intentionally fail to inform their drug use or sexual partners that they are infected due to the fear that the partner will no longer be interested. In many states, failing to inform partners about HIV or AIDS is against the law.
Sharing needles is just one of several dangerous activities that can cause someone to contract HIV, but not sharing needles is an easy way to avoid it.
If you or someone you love could be in contact with pre-used, or dirty needles, please contact one of the specialists at A Better Today Recovery Services at 888-906-0952. They can assist you with getting help by connecting you to a treatment center and providing valuable resources.
