HIV Treatment Works for Seniors — Get Tested!
“Older people don’t need to worry about HIV infection.” Whoa, Nellie! This is one of the greatest myths about HIV/AIDS. The good news is that older patients respond just as well to the treatments as younger people.
The U.S. HIV/AIDS Update Conference last week in Miami confirmed again that people over age 55 make up about 10% of our new HIV infections nationwide (and one-fourth in Florida!). Yet, thinking of AIDS as solely a young people’s disease, most seniors do not identify their risky behavior as putting them in HIV’s way.
Fortunately, a new study released in March demonstrates quite clearly that older patients get the same benefits from HAART, the “drug cocktail,” that young folks do. (There had been some question about that, as advancing age generally depresses immune function.) There’s a slight lag in immune system measures (T4/CD4 count), but overall efficacy was not impacted by age.
Anyone, regardless of age, who has put himself or herself at risk ought to consider getting tested for HIV. That’s the only way to know one’s HIV status and, if infected, to get into care.
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. It’s strictly confidential, so no one will know; or it can be done anonymously (no real name), if preferred. Out of money? No problem, no charge!
Call 972-5580 to make an appointment. Evening appointments are available for those who work during the day. Don’t delay! Do it today!
This article appears in April 11 • 2003.