HIV Statistics Disturbing to Students

Twenty-two years after the first reported cases of AIDS set the medical world on its heels, countless safe sex and anti-drug campaigns have resulted in a somewhat lax attitude among America's youth about the disease's still prevalent infection rate. Recent statistics is giving young adults in the United States cause to reevaluate their sexual behavior.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a federal agency that is a division of the Department of Health and Human Services, maintains continuous surveillance on every disease categorized as a risk to humanity. Human Immunodeficiency Virus and AIDS, which have reached epidemic proportions in several countries, are among the most observed diseases.

"More than anything it's scary. At one point sex was something you could enjoy without so many risks, now sex has become a process, from putting a condom on and onwards," said Abraham Robinson, a senior psychology major. "HIV is not something that shows, so you have to operate under the assumption that everyone has it. It's unfortunate and scary, and it doesn't look like it's going away anytime soon."

Statistics obtained by the CDC point directly to young adults as the demographic to observe in the spread of HIV.

"Based on national statistics done in 1999 and put out in 2002, AIDS is the seventh leading cause of death among people ages 20 to 24," said Karlie Stanton, a spokesperson for the National Center for HIV, STD and TB (tuberculosis) Prevention under the CDC. "These people were most likely infected in their teens."

According to Stanton, approximately 40,000 new HIV infections are reported annually. Of these, 20,000 infections are in people aged 25 and younger.

Statistics such as these are cause for concern among students.

"Those statistics are pretty surprising, especially considering that there is so much AIDS awareness education available. You'd think those numbers would be lower," said Priya Patel, a senior art major.

Dan Sherman, a sophomore undecided in his major, agreed and said more research and funding needs to be allocated to curbing the AIDS epidemic.

"It shows that something needs to be done. It doesn't seem like (AIDS) education is working," said Sherman. "People know the risks but it doesn't seem to work. I think they need to come up with new alternatives."

Since preventative measures are sometimes not taken, Stanton pointed to medication that slows the progression of the disease as a way to make life with HIV more bearable.

"Since 1996, drugs have been available which prolong the lives of those living with HIV and slows its progression to AIDS, but there is no cure for this disease and living with it is very difficult," she said.

"It is important to know that the ways to prevent STDs most effectively are abstinence, or a monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner and consistent, correct usage of condoms, and for women, who are more susceptible to chlamydia, gonorrhea and HIV, to get regular pap smears and testing," said Stanton.

Susan Mancuso, a family nurse practitioner, advised students to take advantage of UB's medical resources in the fight against HIV and AIDS.

"UB offers free New York State testing on campus; as of last year we were the only SUNY to do so. If someone is found to be HIV positive, we do a basic testing to assess their immediate health situation and offer initial counseling then refer them to Eerie County Medical Center, where they will receive the best in HIV/AIDS care," said Mancuso.

According to Mancuso, health care officials in New York try to make healthcare available to all who are in need.

"In the state of New York, even if you are uninsured, healthcare is made available. Although those living in smaller towns may have to move to bigger cities, no one goes without care," she said.

Amanda Hoffman, a senior psychology major, said she is more aware of HIV now than she ever was.

"In high school I didn't worry as much, but now that I'm in college and I meet new people, anyone could have it, so I always protect myself. As much as you trust someone, they may be hiding things from you," she said.

On Feb. 14, there will be a presentation from the Health and Sex Education fair in the Student Union lobby. Mancuso encouraged students to participate in the giveaways and presentations.

For more information about HIV and testing sites, contact the Student Health Center in Michael Hall on South Campus at 829-2789 or 829-2584, or contact the county health care center at 858-7687.