About AIDS
Complacency About HIV Invites High-Risk Choices
By Sandy Bartlett, Fri., March 24, 2000
Conference in San Francisco affirmed earlier research showing that many of the people most at risk for infection have become complacent about HIV/AIDS. In the past several years, after all, the death rates have fallen by over 50%; the media tout optimistic news of improved treatments; and there is very little emphasis on prevention in the U.S.
In one study presented, 87% of the young Americans surveyed feel they are not at risk for HIV, although 25% of new infections occur among people 25 years of age and younger. In addition, a study of 3,000 gay men age 15 to 25 revealed that 41% had recently participated in unprotected sex.
What people fail to keep in mind is that although the new drugs can help people live longer, they have serious side effects, and they don't work for everyone. They certainly are not a cure. This epidemic has not gone away, and it isn't going away in our lifetime. The chance of staying alive has improved dramatically, but diligence is still required in making those personal choices. HIV is still an extremely serious disease to have.
