Ok before the HIV / Aids debate gets too heated, can I add my thoughts /
experiences?
 
I am carer to someone who has been diagnosed HIV+ (in addition to other
long standing health issues).  So I did a little research into the
situation regarding the furkid 4 as they were then (happier times for me)
as he was likely to come into contact with my bunch on a regular basis
and I had only just rescued Rhoobarb n Custard, those 2 were so close
together in appearance that even I could mistake the placid playful
Cussiewezil for the lightning fast hand chomper Rhoobarb.  So it was out
of concern for all involved that I felt I needed to seek out the facts, I
will say I am a little disappointed to see the equasion of "gay = aids"
still lives on in the minds of some people though, its a bit like
expecting all Californians to be ferret haters which is clearly untrue!
 
It may have actually in the FML archivies that I came across a vets (?)
post that told me all I needed to know (in fact I have half an idea it
was a "Dr Williams" post, but I could be wrong), HIV is unlikely to be
transmitted to ferrets, differences in blood n stuff, I was happy with
that, Im certain it was posted by a vet, not someone who knows someone...
or "Ritas cousin Fred who talks to Jean who works at the post office".
What I mean is, get it from informed & medically qualified people, (IE
Vets), rather than relying on urban myth, I mean... Masks?  what are they
supposed to do?  This is a "blood borne" virus, so even IF ferrets could
carry it (and its my understanding they cant) masks wouldnt make a blind
bit of difference.
 
I dont have time today to check the FML archive, but the imfo may be
there (maybe BIG can track it down if it was FML the it would be before
Dr Williams moved over to posting in the FHL), although I would caution
that there is a lot of "misinformation" in some peoples posts (eg HIV+
people shouldnt have cats) but the fact remains that like the rabies risk
excuse that was used against ferrets for too many years, I think this is
an "urban myth".  [Didn't have time to check either :-(  BIG]
 
The fact is, this whole topic highlights the amount of ignorance there
still is about HIV, and I dont mean ignorance in a wilful manner,its just
plain old "dont know".  Im not going to get into arguing about who is
right or wrong in this, except to say after using the net to find out the
facts, I had no hesitation in allowing my babies to interact with him
(apart from Biteyweezil who I was keeping all to myself at the time and
getting a lot of painful memories to keep with me forever)
 
HIV and AIDS are two different sides of a coin, and that girl down your
street that sleeps around a lot??  she is probably just as much at risk
from HIV as any Gay man, indeed according to my friends Clinical nurse
specialist (who will be dealing with any onset of AIDS induced illnesses
in him) NO-ONE can afford to be complacent about this "because they dont
do this or that", gay or straight this virus does not discriminate, so,
for the sake of your grandkids.... LEARN about it and educate them!!!!!!!
This goes equally to anyone who has kids or "that age", "Mine are ok they
are straight" doesnt work anymore, and is a shortsighted, dangerous and
misinformed view.
 
Finally, can I ask the original poster on this topic to do 2 things
for me?
 
1. Snuggle those fuzzy kids, I have found out the hard way how quick
they can leave you, and now I give so much to snuggle my two bridge
residents one more time.
 
2. Open your mind (and your heart) to your new neighbour, not only has
he been "judged" rather harshly, but if he likes fuzzies..  its got to
be a bonus having a ready made sitter next door, talk to him, Im sure
that he will be only too willing to help you fill in the gaps in your
knowledge, and filling in those gaps may help you help your grandkids
to protect themselves one day in thier future.
 
I have refrained from suggesting websites dealing with HIV as mine would
be from a UK angle, but im sure you can find plenty on the web
 
Sorry if this rambles, I have tried to be objective and to help both
sides of the debate see the other point of view, if I am wrong about the
imfo source Im sorry but it was around 3 years ago now..  oh, and if
anyone feels flamed or insulted by this, I have failed in my intention...
 
My thoughts to those with sick or departed wacky wardancers
 
Cris Page & the terrible twosome
Skweek (Spookydook) & Rhoobarb (Biteyweezil)
Remembering
Custard (Cussie(angel)weezil) sister of Rhoobarb.
Bubbles(Da Warweezil)First Ferret par excellence, Leader of the
Furkidz.
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[Posted in FML issue 4406]