HIV Testing and Early Medical Care Saves Lives

November 29,  2011

 World AIDS Day, December 1, 2011, is a time to reflect on the impact of HIV — the lives saved and lost, as well as the lessons learned fighting this deadly disease. The Licking County Health Department is continuing to build their efforts to prevent HIV.

Joe Ebel, Licking County Health Commissioner stated, “Too many people don’t know they have HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Early detection is key to reducing the spread of HIV and getting treatment early.” About 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the US but about 240,000 don’t know they are infected. Each year, about 50,000 people get infected with HIV in the US. Getting an HIV test is the first step to finding out if you have HIV and getting medical care. Without medical care, HIV leads to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and early death.

Key HIV facts:

•  Nearly 1 in 5 people with HIV (or 240,000 people) don’t know they are infected.

• People who don’t know they are HIV positive are at higher risk of serious medical problems and early death.

• Only 41 percent of people with HIV get ongoing HIV medical care.

• The number of people with HIV who get AIDS has decreased over time because of advances in medical care and antiretroviral therapy. Still, more than 16,000 people with AIDS die each year.

• Only 28 percent of people with HIV have viral suppression. Yet, viral suppression improves health, extends life, and can help to prevent people from transmitting the virus to others.

"HIV testing, linking people with HIV to care and treatment, appropriate use of medications to reduce the amounts of virus in the body, viral suppression, and prevention counseling can and does lead to better outcomes in HIV prevention.” Ebel concluded. The Licking County Health Department provides free HIV testing services at its weekly Sexual Health Clinic. To make an appointment, call (740) 349-6535.

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