This Morning: Dermot tells hilarious Elton John Xmas story
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On Words AIDS Day, the Rocket Man singer announced a new pharmacist training programme in collaboration with Walmart and Duke Health. “The new training programme [is] made possible through our Elton John Eyewear partnership,” Sir Elton posted, which “will equip Walmart pharmacists with the tools they need”. The aim is for Walmart pharmacists to “deliver informed, compassionate care to everyone seeking HIV testing, prevention and treatment information”.
“No one gets left behind,” Sir Elton emphasised which is his Foundation’s mantra.
In another Instagram post, shared on Thursday, December 1, Sir Elton said: “We’ve come a long way since I founded @ejaf [Elton John AIDS Foundation] 30 years ago.”
While HIV and AIDS “have never been more preventable”, in 2021, “1.5 million people acquired HIV and 650,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses”.
Sir Elton added: “That’s why we must come together to create a world where it’s safe to receive health education, testing and prevention services, and compassionate treatment.”
HIV and AIDS
The NHS says HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) “damages the cells in your immune system”.
Consequently, a person’s ability to fight everyday infections and disease is diminished.
The health body explains: “AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the name used to describe a number of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses that happen when your immune system has been severely damaged by the HIV virus.”
While the HIV virus can be transmitted from one person to another, AIDS cannot.
There’s currently no cure for HIV, but there are effective drug treatments available to enable people who have the virus to live a long and healthy life.
“With an early diagnosis and effective treatments, most people with HIV will not develop any AIDS-related illnesses,” the NHS asserts.
Symptoms of HIV infection
Two to six weeks following a HIV infection, a “short, flu-like” illness can linger for a week or two.
These symptoms can quickly dissipate, with HIV not causing any more symptoms for many years to come.
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A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn)
While there is no external manifestation of HIV infection after the initial flu-like illness, the immune system is continuously being damaged.
“This means many people with HIV do not know they’re infected,” the health body adds.
How HIV is spread from person to person
“HIV is found in the body fluids of an infected person. This includes semen, vaginal and anal fluids, blood and breast milk,” the NHS clarifies.
The virus can not survive for long outside of the body, so HIV cannot be transmitted through sweat, urine, or saliva.
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A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn)
The virus can, however, be spread through unprotected anal or vaginal sex, sharing needles, or from mother to baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.
How to test for HIV
Sexual health clinics, clinics run by charities, and GP surgeries offer testing for HIV.
“This involves testing a sample of your blood or saliva for signs of the infection,” the NHS says.
If infected by HIV, treatment can begin, which will help prevent long-term complications if caught early enough.
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