Number of people contracting and living with the disease continues to increase
HIV/AIDS, one of the most devastating illnesses of our time, has had an enormous impact on American lives.
A staggering 619,000 people have perished from the virus since the epidemic began in 1981. And while the death rate has declined since the peak in the mid-1980s, the number of people contracting and living with the disease continues to increase. An estimated 50,000 new infections are reported every year, with 1.2 million people currently living with HIV in the U.S., a scary thought, given the fact that one in five (20%) are unaware of the infection.
HIV, which attacks the immune system and the body’s ability to fight infections, often goes undiagnosed because the initial symptoms are flu-like in nature (fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat, muscle aches and swollen lymph nodes). While some newly infected people may also develop a rash, countless others do not have any symptoms at all. Therefore, the only way to know for sure is to get tested.
There are several groups of people for which testing is a must. This includes those who engage in unsafe sexual practices or share needles, because these are the primary ways in which HIV is spread. Those with an STD should also be tested as they are more likely to get HIV.
While many scientific advances have been made in the treatment of HIV, allowing those affected to live longer, the battle is far from over. First and foremost, it’s important to learn the facts. By understanding how HIV is transmitted and how it can be prevented, you can better take care of your own health and the health of others.
According to Dr. Graham, Medical Director for the Mid- and Central District Health Departments, when it comes to HIV, time is of the essence. “The bottom line is to not put yourself at risk for contracting the disease,” he said. “And if you already have, get tested right away. The sooner a diagnosis is made, the longer you are likely to live.”
For more information on how HIV is spread, how it can be prevented, myths, and more, visit www.Aids.gov or www.cdc.gov.