Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that infects and weakens the immune system and can cause AIDS. It also affects an estimated 1.1 million people in the United States, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Andrea Stubbs, manager of the HIV Community Program in the Department of Infectious Diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, said the amount of people living with HIV in Shelby County is alarming.
“HIV rates continue to threaten one’s ability to have sustainable quality years of life,” Stubbs said. “According to the Shelby County Health Department, in 2016, there were over 7,000 individuals living with the virus, and even more alarming is that 63 percent of those are between the ages of 15 to 34 years old.”
People between the ages of 18 to 24 are much more likely to contract HIV than older people and are considered high-risk. Also, 25 percent of people who are HIV positive are unaware they have the virus, according to the CDC.
HIV tests in general don’t for the virus, but instead look at antibodies for the virus.
Robert Koch, associate dean for the Loewenberg School of Nursing, said HIV is a virus anyone can get, and just because someone is diagnosed does not mean they should panic.
“Anyone can get it; children, abstinent and the elderly people,” Koch said. “It’s not as common as a cold, but it is a germ. I know people who were diagnosed 15 to 16 years ago who have yet to show symptoms.”
Elizabeth Dupont is the executive director at Hope House in Memphis, which aims to improve the quality of life for HIV-affected individuals and their families by providing early childhood education and social services.
“HIV testing is absolutely important,” Dupont said. “Early diagnosis and treatment prevents further health problems, and it lets the person know before it is too late.”
Dupont said HIV testing is important in decreasing transmission of the virus, and it is essential for pregnant women so unborn children do not contract HIV.
Melissa Farrar, who works in social services at Hope House in Memphis, said people should get tested for HIV multiple times annually.
“More than once a year would be ideal, especially if the person has a lifestyle that increases the risk of exposure to HIV or other STIs,” Farrar said.
Farrar said more universities should offer testing because of how many students are on campus.
“That is a great place to offer testing since it is so easily accessible to for students,” Farrar said.
The University of Memphis’ Student Health Services and Planned Parenthood offer free HIV and STI testing in room 338 of the University Center every Friday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
