Are You Positive About Your HIV Status?

New cases of HIV are steady, but that does not change the fact that more than 50,000 people contract the deadly virus every year in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently reported that at least 44% of gay and bisexual men are living as though they are HIV negative. Why? Because they have no idea they have HIV.

The study looked at 8,153 male participants living openly gay or bisexual. Participants lived in one of 21 cities including Baltimore and Atlanta. The study took place in 2008 as part of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System (NHBS). NHBS works within cities that have high HIV rates to ensure access to education and testing is available. This particular study focused on males falling into the MSM category - or males having sex with males. Both gay and bisexual men were included.

Results of the Study

The highest risk of HIV was carried by African-Americans at 28%. Hispanics and Caucasians followed with 18% and 16% infection rates, respectively. Education and income played a factor in HIV infection and awareness. Men who were less educated and fell into a lower socioeconomic status were more likely to be infected with HIV and unaware. Men, who were educated and wealthier, were less likely to be infected and more aware of their HIV status.

Other facts revealed by the CDC study included:

Men unaware of HIV status - 59% African American, 46% Hispanic, 26% Caucasian.

Age of men unaware of HIV status - 63% between ages of 18 and 29, 37% ages 30 and over.

Race and age of men unaware of HIV status - 71% of African American men under 30, 63% of Hispanic men under 30, 40% of Caucasian men under 30.

Prevention and Education

HIV is spread through contact with blood and bodily fluids - these are the most widely known means of transmission. Coming in contact with blood, having a blood transfusion, sharing needles or having unprotected sex are all likely to spread HIV.

In the past, saliva was considered safe, but the CDC notes saliva can spread the virus through deep kissing if one participant is HIV positive and saliva is tinged with blood. Sharing chewed food, tattooing and body piercing may also spread the virus.

There have been cases of reverse transmission where infants infected with dirty needles have passed the virus to mothers while breastfeeding. Cases of this form of HIV infection have not been reported in the United States, but have been reported in Europe and West Africa.

For those who want to know more about HIV and HIV testing, education is available. The CDC suggests texting your zip code to KnowIt (566948). The text will return the nearest HIV testing center where free information on HIV, HIV treatments and HIV testing.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control Press Release. 1 in 5 men who have sex with men in 21 U.S. cities has HIV; nearly half unaware. September 23, 2010.

Centers for Disease Control. Basic Information about HIV and AIDS.