October 2, 2001

AIDS Awareness Month

BINGHAMTON, NY - Twenty years into the epidemic, HIV and AIDS continue to impact communities in New York State. As of June 2000, there were 142,376 cases of AIDS reported statewide. Of these, 42 percent were African Americans and 30 percent were Hispanics, accounting for almost three-fourths of all cases.

"October is AIDS Awareness Month, a good time to remember that HIV knows no racial, ethnic, age or gender boundaries," stated Jan Chytilo Supervising Public Health Educator of the Broome County Health Department. "Anyone can become infected with HIV if they have unprotected sex or share needles with someone who is infected. It's what you do, not who you are, that puts you at risk for HIV." Ms. Chytilo also reminded people that women with HIV can pass it to their babies during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.

It's estimated that between 130,000 and 180,000 New Yorkers are living with HIV, many of whom may not even know they are infected. The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to be tested. "Anyone at risk for HIV infection should be tested," urged Ms. Chytilo.

"Knowing your HIV status is very important. If you are not infected, you can learn how to stay that way. If you are infected, new treatments may help you stay healthier longer."

Ms. Chytilo said that some people have HIV for many years without knowing it because they don't have any symptoms. An HIV test will tell you if you have HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. You should get tested if you have ever:

• Had unprotected sex
• Shared needles or works to shoot drugs
• Had a sex partner who ever shared needles or works or who has had unprotected sex with someone who is infected.

"If you are not absolutely certain where you stand with regard to these issues, then you should get tested," advised Ms. Chytilo. "Also, women who are planning to have a baby or who are already pregnant should know their HIV status. There is medicine that may reduce the risk of infecting unborn babies with HIV."

Getting tested early is even more important now that medications are available to help people who are HIV positive stay healthier. Ms. Chytilo strongly encouraged anyone at risk to get tested as the first step in getting medical care, counseling and support. "Testing is both easy and accessible," said Ms. Chytilo. An HIV test can be a blood test or an oral fluid test. And, there are many places where testing is available. You can even get free anonymous testing. To find an HIV testing site near you, call 1.800.541.AIDS.

"Most importantly, HIV is preventable," stressed Ms. Chytilo. If you are HIV positive, you can help prevent the spread of HIV by taking the following precautions:

• Abstain from sexual intercourse. If you do have sex, use a latex condom every time.
• Don't abuse drugs. Unless prescribed by your health care provider, using drugs, either orally or by injection, can be hazardous to your health. If you do inject drugs, always use a new, sterile syringe, and don't share your needles, syringes or works with anyone.
• Talk with your partner(s) about HIV and getting tested.
• Don't use alcohol or other drugs, which may impair your judgement and prevent you from making wise and safe decisions.

To learn more about HIV and AIDS, where to get tested and what you can do to help prevent the spread of HIV, call the Broome County Health Department at 607.778.2839.

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