Pozwatch.com

HIV

HIV was first discovered in 1983. Most of the first cases of HIV infection were seen among gay males. This led to the false belief that HIV infection was strictly a "gay disease." Today, we know that this is simply not true. HIV does not discriminate between black or white, straight or gay, man or woman, adult or child.

Here are some facts that might surprise you.

From 2001 to 2004, in the United States:

33% of people who tested HIV+ were infected through heterosexual sex

An HIV+ diagnosis was 8.4 times more likely among African Americans than whites

About 25% of people with HIV do not know they are infected

From 2001 to 2004, the region of the United States with the most new HIV+ cases was the South

From 2001 to 2004, the largest number of HIV+ diagnoses were in men who have sex with men (MSMs)

MSM= Men who have sex with other men, IDU= injection drug users

HIV affects more than just gay and bisexual men. HIV infection has also become an important health concern among other groups, such as heterosexual African Americans. Remember, HIV does not discriminate, and it is important to get tested and to know your status.

The good news is that you can control your own future. There are a number of things that you can do within your own community to help fight the spread of HIV:

Get the facts—Educate yourself about HIV and things you can do to protect yourself and others. In addition to this site, check out TreatHIV.com for more educational information. Remember, education is one of your best tools in the fight against HIV!

Prevention strategies—Learn how to prevent spreading HIV infection to others. There are a number of places to get more information. Check out Preventing HIV Infection

Get good medical care—If you do test positive, seek out medical care immediately! The best way to make sure that you stay healthy is to work with your healthcare provider and get treatment when needed. There are a number of places to get information about treatment and paying for your meds. For more information, check out the Cost and Assistance section of this Web site