The holidays are upon us, the time of “trick or treats” is in the air and the
world of pleasure and lust may be reflected in our feastive spirits. This is
all the more reason to be aware of the ways we place ourselves at risk. Granted
we cannot always control whether or not we will be assaulted by a vampire, but
let’s consider what the ramifications may be. If a vampire can get AIDS, then
what are the chances of the victim being infected and would the infection
matter since he/she would immediately die?
The New World Dictionary states: “Vampire is in folklore and
popular superstition, a corpse that becomes reanimated and leaves its grave at
night to suck the blood of sleeping persons.” The definition creates an
oxymoron: a corpse reanimated. How can a vampire be both? Of course, it is a
superstition so that gives us some flexibility toward the topic. The vampire is
a corpse, so it would be dead and not have an immune system or produce its own
blood. The blood of others is its chosen meal, which does not go into any true
functioning system. Indeed, the vampire must not be at risk for there is no
opportunity for true exposure.
Regardless of vampires and other kinky creatures of the night the exposure to
human blood is a high-risk situation for anyone. Blood carries the highest
concentration of the human immunodeficiency virus “HIV”; how you are exposed to
the blood is the key. If the blood of an infected individual enters your
blood stream exposure to the virus is possible. Sharing needles through
intravenous drug use is a perfect example. HIV dies quickly when blood is
exposed to air; in truth, it is delicate. However, when it stays within the
human host and transmits directly to another human the risk is definite. When
alcohol and recreational drugs are included in our activities our inhibitions
may be lessened and we place ourselves at greater risk of engaging in unsafe
behavior.
In truth, it does not matter whether or not vampires can get AIDS, but we do
know that humans do. Though HIV may not always lead to AIDS, why take a chance
by exposing yourself to the virus at all? The true “cure” for HIV is said to
be prevention, which we can control; as you frolic through the night on
Halloween, don’t forget those condoms, and consider a turtleneck for extra
protection.
Jan Rueb
Access & Information Unit
AIDS Services of Austin
This article appears in October 27 • 1995 and October 27 • 1995 (Cover).