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HIV/AIDS continues to be a major public health concern in
both the US and Globally. Despite millions of dollars spent
for HIV/AIDS prevention programs, the number of new cases
of infection continues to rise. Vaccines trialed to date have
not been effective in preventing infection. Behavioral change
and education seem to be the most promising ways to lower
infection rates until an effective vaccine or cure is found.
ART has slowed the progress of the disease in many cases,
allowing people who were once very ill to recover and live
productive lives. Currently there are five classes of ART,
with more in development. This year there was a report of
a vaginal antiviral gel found to be effective in preventing
infection during vaginal/penile sex in So. Africa. As more
and more research looks into HIV infection and prevention
we will hopefully move closer to a cure.
CDC recommends that all people age 13-64 be tested at least
once in their lifetime as part of their routine medical care,
and more often if risk factors for HIV are identified. They
estimate that 25% of people in the US infected with HIV are
not aware of their status because they have not been tested
or were tested and did not return for their results. They
further propose that they may be responsible for many of the
new infections reported yearly. Early diagnosis and treatment
will improve the prognosis of the patient and slow transmission.
We as providers are responsible to encourage patients to
be tested for HIV and to provide education on risk factors
and prevention techniques. HIV is still a real public health
threat. New social marketing campaigns are needed to change
our old messages and to reach our youth and elderly populations.
Continue on to References
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