Awareness is Key
There are approximately 1.2 million people living with HIV in the United States, and nearly 50,000 people are newly infected each year. Globally, HIV/AIDS continues to be an epidemic, affecting 35 million people worldwide. Since 1988, health and humanitarian organizations around the world have celebrated World AIDS Day to recognize those who have lost their lives and show support for those living with HIV and AIDS. Most importantly, World AIDS Day and AIDS awareness month activities aim to educate a new generation so that more lives can be saved.
What's the difference between HIV and AIDS?
Having HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is not the same thing as having AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV is a virus that attacks important cells of the immune system, called T-Cells. Due to advances in treatment, many people with HIV (those who live in developed countries) are able to live full lives by taking medicine that keeps HIV at bay. Someone with HIV is considered to have AIDS when the virus destroys enough T-Cells to severely compromise their immune system.
HIV/AIDS Statistics
- 19 million of the 35 million people living with HIV do not know they are infected with the virus
- Men of all races are most severely impacted by HIV
- Approximately 70 percent of those with HIV live in sub-Saharan Africa
- 2.6 million children are living with HIV
- 59 percent of people with HIV are not receiving any type of treatment
- Almost 40 percent of new infections are in young people ages 13-29
How is HIV/AIDS transmitted?
HIV is passed on through body fluids and can be transmitted through sexual intercourse, intravenous drug use, pregnancy and childbirth, occupational exposure and, very rarely, through blood transfusions. You cannot get HIV from drinking fountains, a mosquito bite, or by sharing a water glass with someone who has HIV.
Who should get tested?
The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 get tested at least once. If you have had sex with somebody whose history you did not know, used intravenous drugs, been treated for hepatitis C or tuberculosis, you should also be tested. HIV screening should be covered at no charge by most health insurance plans; if you do not have health insurance, you may be eligible for a free screening.
Managing risk
Practicing safe sex, reducing the number of partners you have, and not engaging in risky sexual behaviors are all ways to reduce the risk of getting HIV through sexual activity. If you are in a relationship with somebody who has HIV, a new medication called PrEP may reduce your risk of contracting the disease. Lastly, treatment is available that can often prevent pregnant mothers with HIV from passing the disease onto their infants.
Hope for the future
Through education and action, the AIDS epidemic can be arrested. Go to http://www.worldaidsday.org/ to find out more about testing, treatment and AIDS advocacy.