Get Tested? It Could Save Your Life!
A major challenge in HIV care and prevention is “delayed detection” of infection and disease. In 2000, almost 35% of HIV-related deaths in the U.S. occurred among patients who got their first diagnosis within six months of dying. About half of those never had a chance to seriously try the “drug cocktail,” which, if taken in time, might have prevented their deaths — or even prevented their developing AIDS in the first place.
This was the conclusion of the HIV Costs and Services Utilization Study presented at September’s ICAAC conference in San Diego, one of the world’s most important treatment meetings.
Other research also confirms the importance, from a public health perspective, of identifying HIV-positive people as early in their infection as possible. (Early infection can be determined by a testing process called STARHS.) Common sense says that the shorter time an HIV-positive individual is wandering around unaware of his/her HIV infection, the shorter time he/she is likely to be engaging in risky business with others.
So it pays to get tested! Both the individual and our society benefit from people finding out their HIV status and, if HIV-infected, getting into care, which may or may not include starting the drugs right away.
In Austin, it is so easy to get an HIV antibody test. The Austin-Travis County Health Department offers testing at many locations around town, even regularly at various bars and clubs. It’s strictly confidential, so no one will know but yourself; or it can be done anonymously (no real name), if you prefer. Out of money? No problem? It’s free! For UT students, there’s even a convenient location right on campus at the Student Health Center.
Call 972-5580 to make an appointment. Evening appointments are available if you work during the day. Don’t delay! Do it today!
This article appears in December 13 • 2002.