When is World AIDS Day?
December 1st is World AIDS Day.
What is World AIDS Day?
There is bleach in your body—well, hypochlorous acid, the active ingredient in bleach—and that’s a good thing. The immune system uses it to fight bacteria. What if something damages that system though? That’s what HIV does. World AIDS Day gives us the chance to fight the AIDS epidemic and show support for people who suffer from HIV.
The human immune system is an incredible defense matrix. It fights off foreign invaders and keeps us healthy and strong. HIV attacks this system though. HIV is a virus. As it damages the immune system, the body has to work harder to fight off infections and diseases.
Over time, people with HIV suffer severe damage to their immune system and develop AIDS. AIDS victims are more vulnerable to diseases like pneumonia, tuberculosis, and even some kinds of cancer.
So what can we do? We can fight alongside folks who live with HIV, and World AIDS Day is a great day to join that fight.
Facts about World AIDS Day:
- Disease symptoms—like the congestion and runny nose of cold season—are the body’s reactions to bacteria and viruses, thanks to the work of our immune system.
- We encounter billions of germs every day, but healthy immune systems usually stop them in their tracks.
- Across the globe, about 36.7 million people were living with HIV/AIDS in 2016.
- In 2015, more than 1.1 million Americans had HIV. Around 38,500 Americans contracted HIV in the same year.
- Over 6,700 American deaths in 2014 were directly liked to HIV.
How to celebrate World AIDS Day:
- Donate to research devoted to fighting HIV/AIDS. Many organizations provide free testing, counseling, and treatment for individuals with AIDS.
- Volunteer at an organization that serves people living with AIDS.
- Look for community events on World AIDS Day, like candlelight marches or ceremonies at AIDS monuments.
What’s the hashtag for World AIDS Day?
Use #WorldAIDSDay on social media to show your support for AIDS victims.