People living with HIV in 2015 are healthier than ever. The advent of better drugs with fewer side effects has greatly improved the lives of those infected with the virus that causes AIDS.
Today (World AIDS Day) we remember that even with these advances in treatment and increased prevention efforts, HIV is still a deadly disease that’s very preventable.
Per amfAR (The American Foundation for AIDS Research), nearly 37 million people are living with HIV worldwide. In 2014 alone, two million people became newly infected and 1.2 million died from AIDS. Every single day, 5,600 people contract HIV. According to the CDC, Blacks and Latinos continue to experience the most severe burden of HIV in America, accounting for 44 and 21 percent of new cases of infection respectively.
Because AIDS is no longer the death sentence it once was, some may think it’s less necessary to be vigilant about protecting themselves or may not think they’re at risk. The reality is anybody, regardless of sexual orientation or socioeconomic status, can contract HIV if they participate in high-risk behaviors.
World AIDS Day is just as much about recognizing the need for this disease to be eradicated as it is about providing support to those already affected by HIV/AIDS. To that end, here are some of the most important things you can do to reduce your risk:
- Get tested regularly
- Know your partner’s HIV status
- Have less risky sex
- Use condoms
- Get tested and treated for STDs (having another STD weakens your immune system)
- Talk to your doctor about Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, otherwise known as PrEP
- Watch out for dirty needles if injecting drugs
Go to https://www.aids.gov/locator/ to find places where you can get tested and/or seek counseling or treatment.
