HIV and AIDS: the problem still exists

One of the things you really have not heard about of late is HIV and AIDS. Of the various diseases in the world, this is one of the most deadly and it is also one of the easiest to prevent. Yet it continues to grow in numbers, recently in NYC a report stated

“The report says in 2006, nearly 4,800 New Yorkers contracted HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. This means there were 72 new infections per 100,000 people. That number is three times higher than the national rate, in which the incidence of new infection is 23 per 100,000 people.”

Now some may want to focus on the words New York City, or 72 new infections. But what they are not focusing on is the equally important “the national rate, in which the incidence of new infection is 23 per 100,000 people.”

It’s been almost 30 years since the world became aware of HIV and AIDS. 25 million people worldwide have died, with roughly 33 million known infected people at the end of 2007. And while the numbers may have slowed they continue to grow. Half of those know infections are in people at or under age 25.

Don’t believe that because you aren’t seeing news stories, or hearing elected officials speak about HIV and AIDS that they have been cured or gone away like smallpox.

Now I reach roughly 115 or more countries each month. Not one of these nations is without AIDS or HIV. And this may not be scientific, or the most accurate statement, but I believe that the chance of getting HIV are better than getting Cholera, Malaria (in the U.S. – worldwide it is a larger problem), Measles, Mumps, combined in the U.S. Even in other nations, excluding Malaria, it leads most other chances of getting a disease.

If you live in London, or Dover, or Milan, or Barcelona, or Hong Kong, or Dayton Ohio or anywhere you can get HIV. Living in a small town or a major city will not protect you. Being White or Black or a woman will not protect you. Nor will your social class, education, age, religion, or any other classification you can name.

If you are having unprotected sex, especially with more than one partner in the past decade, you need to get checked. It’s just that simple.

I know some people are nervous or embarrassed about this subject. It’s probably why the major news media and the current Presidential candidates tend to shy away from this subject. But there really is no reason to be.

Getting tested is a simple blood test, done in your doctor’s office. It’s quick and private. You can get it done along with your annual physical. When I joined the Marines I was given my first HIV test, as is standard in the U.S. military. Since that time I get a test done as part of my annual check-up. It’s just part of the routine, along with my tests for diabetes, lung cancer, heart disease, cholesterol levels, and the normal check-up items.

It takes 30 seconds, isn’t your life worth that?