HIV/AIDS: What everyone needs to know about this epidemic

Carol Forsloff - Scientists exclaim, "Wake up world.  AIDS and HIV are diseases with us, and many people who have either of these conditions don't know it."  The need for attention and help continues, experts tell us; so here's the rest of the story.



Years ago, when AIDS was front page, everyone paid attention.  In the meantime, while the disease continues to grow and have complications, the rest of the world has moved on and shouldn't because the issues remain with us.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates 21% of the more than one million individuals living with HIV/AIDS in the United States are unaware that they have HIV infection.

Being tested for HIV is critical as early diagnosis can help protect one's health and the health of others  The more we pay attention, the more likely the news will continue; and people will be reminded about this.

Since 1995, National HIV Testing Day has united organizations across the nation every June 27th to promote the early diagnosis of HIV. Detecting HIV at any stage allows an individual to benefit from remarkable advances in treatment. Detecting and treating HIV early, before it has caused widespread immune system damage, may decrease death by up to 80%. In addition, new data show that persons who are on effective HIV treatment are less likely to transmit HIV to others.

But there are even more reasons why we should all pay attention, because those hidden folks can infect others and not even know it.  They can also be helped and live longer, more productive lives, which is good for them and for the overall community.

There are new programs and research taking place daily to help in the fight against AIDS.  Knowing that can help the world community in many ways.

Persons who find that they have HIV may also be eligible to participate in clinical trials of new treatments for the infection. Treatment research usually means testing promising new drugs; however, a new concept includes using a vaccine to boost the body’s ability to control HIV as an adjunct to drug therapy.

One such study is starting now at the AIDS Research Consortium of Atlanta (ARCA). ARCA is enrolling patients for the first therapeutic trial of a promising HIV vaccine candidate developed by GeoVax, an Atlanta biotechnology company specializing in the creation and evaluation of HIV vaccines. GeoVax vaccines are now being studied in HIV prevention.

ARCA is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit clinical research, testing, outreach and educational organization founded in 1988. ARCA works through a network of more than 50 physicians and 5 public health clinics to conduct clinical drug and vaccine trials and prevention research studies. ARCA also provides patient and care-provider educational programs, free sexual transmitted disease testing for men, and free, anonymous HIV testing when funds are available.

The organization has also contributed key scientific information leading to the FDA approval of more than 27 individual and combination drugs now available for people with HIV/AIDS worldwide.

While the rates have gone down for Hispanics and Native Hawaiians, statistics show AIDS rates have increased among whites and African Americans.

The wisdom is the knowing, according to experts.  This media check-up is one of those efforts to help.