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Illness in the Time of Plague  

CandyShark 56M
14 posts
2/9/2021 11:53 am
Illness in the Time of Plague


So, I was down for two weeks, sick as a middle ages plague victim. Oddly, I tested negative for COVID -- which was weird, thought for sure I had it, totally weird symptoms. But, while I was down and out and totally delirious with fever off and on, it got me to thinking about viruses and bacteria and illnesses. So, I went down the sex disease rabbit hole. Like ten times worse than the Internet K-Hole, right?

Back in the day, as most know, STIs and STDs were referred to as "venereal diseases." Venereal has sort of an interesting etymology (sexual love). It then sort of morphs into something akin to cheating and betrayal, and immoral behavior, etc. I suspect, in order to remove shame and judgment, we ditched "venereal" at some point. I don't remember when it changed.

So, this site, because of what it is, should make us wonder about STDs and STIs, right? Half the people under 25 are affected. How horrifying to see photos of everything from HPV warts to chancroids (which apparently we don't suffer here in the US, thankfully). How effective are condoms? Not so much for HSV 1 and 2, HPV,
and syphilis apparently (because skin to skin isn't necessarily covered a condom).

Something funny I ran across. A<b> doctor </font></b>was discussing the extinction of pubic lice (crabs). The<b> doctor </font></b>discussed that her patients (mostly under 50 years of age) shave the fun bits now so there's a "deforestation" going on -- the elimination of habitat. Made me laugh. Even the name, crabs, I hadn't heard in forever. I think the Porky's movie? Maybe Animal House? I don't know. Anyway ... hack off those pubes, make lice extinct, no one will miss them.

I'll admit, when I see some of the people here who have tons and tons of partners (with no protection at all) it makes me squeamish. I'm here so I'm obviously not a prude and ... health experts say not to freak out about the fact that Herpes (both 1 and 2, for example) are both very common. I don't judge, and I try not to worry but, I don't want it! Am I old fashioned? Health experts say that we know people in our lives who have (secretly I guess) herpes. That's how common it is.

So ...

I wonder how many people here run through their sexual history with potential new partners. How many are tested? With all of these things on the rise -- I mean syphilis is back? Really? -- how many people are being honest?

Maybe people here are more honest than non-AFFers because of what this is? People are more open (in both legs and conversation?)

What do you all think?

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