Every year since 1988, December 1st has been designated as World AIDS Day. This international day is dedicated to raising awareness surrounding the AIDS pandemic, caused by the spread of HIV infection, as well as mourning those that have lost their lives due to this illness (National Aids Trust, 2022). The first cases of HIV/AIDS were reported in the United States in 1981. Currently, an estimated 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the United States (Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), 2022).
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and it is the virus that causes AIDS. The HIV virus attacks the immune system of the patient and progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infection by killing or damaging cells of the body's immune system (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIH), 2011). Although public understanding of this condition has come a long way since 1981, roughly 36 million people have died worldwide from AIDS and currently 37 million are living with HIV (KFF, 2022). |
How Do You Get HIV / AIDS?
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HIV is found in the blood, semen and vaginal fluid of someone who is infected with the virus. Therefore you maybe at increased risk of becoming infected with HIV if you:
| • | Engage in unprotected anal, vaginal or oral sex |
| • | Have sex with multiple partners |
| • | Are men having sex with men |
| • | Inject drugs or steroids where needles are shared |
| • | Exchange sex for drugs or money |
| • | Have a sexually transmitted infection (NIH, 2011) |
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| • | The HIV virus does not survive for very long outside of the body
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| • | HIV CANNOT be transmitted through sharing food utensils or drinking glasses, using the same toilet seat, shaking hands or through kissing |
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| • | The HIV virus can only be transmitted from person to person, not through animal or insect bites
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| • | Those who are infected and are taking antiretroviral therapy can still infect others (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2022). |
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Some people with HIV have no symptoms at all. Others experience “flu-like” symptoms that might include but are not limited to the following: |
| • | Fever |
| • | Fatigue |
| • | Swollen glands/lymph nodes |
| • | Muscle aches |
| • | Headache |
| • | Sore throat |
| • | Night sweats |
| • | Non-itchy rash |
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| • | Non-itchy rash |
| • | Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea |
| • | Unexplained weight loss |
| • | Dry cough that won’t go away |
| • | Yeast infections |
| • | Difficulty concentrating |
| • | Sores in the mouth (CDC, 2022). |
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Although these symptoms can be associated with many other health conditions, it is important to note that if you have these symptoms and other risk factors that were listed previously, please get tested. |
Currently there is no vaccine to prevent HIV. To reduce your risk of becoming infected, do the following:
| • | Practice abstinence |
| • | Remain faithful to your partner |
| • | Consistently use condoms |
| • | Get tested regularly |
| • | Do not share needles (NIH, 2011). |
It is important to note that almost half of all new HIV infections in the United States occur in people under the age of 24 (CDC,2022). HIV continues to disproportionately impact certain populations, particularly those in racial and ethnic minorities, as well as gay and bisexual men and transgender women (KFF, 2022). |
Knowing your HIV status can help keep you and others safe. HIV testing is important for both treatment and prevention efforts. 13% of those with HIV infection do not know that they are infected (KFF, 2022). The CDC (2022), recommends everyone 13 to 64 years old get tested for HIV at least once and that people at high risk get tested more often. |
HIV testing is integral to HIV prevention, treatment and care. Early knowledge of HIV status is also important for linking those who are HIV positive with appropriate medical services that can reduce morbidity, mortality and improve quality of life (KFF, 2022). HIV testing is confidential and can be obtained either free or for minimal cost.
HIV testing is available at the JC Health Clinic.
Call 517.990.1374 to schedule an appointment.
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Although great strides have been made in the research, knowledge and treatment options surrounding AIDS, this disease remains a public health challenge. Antiretroviral therapy has significantly reduced the morbidity and mortality of those with HIV. This therapy also plays a large role in prevention measures. If you would like more information regarding antiretroviral therapy and options make an appointment at the Jackson College Health Clinic. Please take December 1st as an opportunity to acknowledge the lives lost to this illness but also take measures to prevent this illness from claiming more lives. Reduce your risk and get tested! |
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