The mother of two boys, Rolene Strauss, a former Miss South Africa and Miss World, shared her personal story about HIV on her Instagram feed.
HIV, which was formerly thought to be one of the most terrifying infections, is now treatable and can be prevented in several ways.
An Overview of HIV/AIDS
AIDS, also known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a persistent illness. HIV, commonly known as the human immunodeficiency virus, is the cause of it. HIV weakens the immune system, making the body less capable of fending off illness and infection. It may take years for HIV to impair immune function to the point where AIDS develops if treatment is not received. Most Americans don’t catch AIDS because of treatment.
HIV can spread through intercourse without the use of a condom or other contact with genitalia. An infection of this kind is referred to as a sexually transmitted infection, or STI. HIV can also spread through blood contact, such as sharing syringes or needles. HIV can also be passed from an untreated individual to a kid through pregnancy, childbirth, or nursing.
HIV/AIDS cannot be cured. However, medications can manage the infection and prevent the illness from worsening. Worldwide AIDS deaths have decreased as a result of antiviral therapies for HIV. There is continuous work to increase access to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment in low-resource nations.
HIV/AIDS Stigma
Significant societal stigma still exists despite these advancements, making it difficult for people who have been diagnosed with or are living with HIV to adjust.
Former Miss World Rolene Strauss recently shared a very personal story on her Instagram post about contracting the virus after giving birth to her first child.
Rolene Strauss’s Statement
“Sharing a deeply personal story today. After the birth of our first son back in 2017, I was completing my medical studies and was exposed to HIV while treating a patient at a hospital during my call one evening.
I was breastfeeding at the time and had to go on post-exposure prophylaxis. I can still remember all the questions (even as a medical student) running through my head at the time.
Now pregnant with our third, joining the #ForeverWena campaign feels like a duty. As a mother, I understand the crucial link between maternal and child health!” -Rolene Strauss
Summary
Recalling the incident, Strauss stated that she had to begin post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) because she was nursing. In order to avoid infection, PEP calls for taking HIV drugs no later than three days or 72 hours following possible HIV exposure. The word “prophylaxis” describes actions done to stop or restrict the spread of illness or infection. She acknowledged that she had many questions concerning the exposure and treatment, even though she was a doctor.