The Navy Has the Highest HIV Rate of All the Branches of the Military
In 2008, the United States Navy diagnosed 36 new cases of HIV after testing over 100,000 sailors. The number of new cases was double the infection rate in 1999. Navy officials are not sure why there was such a rise in the infection rate but do confirm that most of the new HIV infections were a result of unsafe sex practices not IV drug use. Unsafe sex is not unique to the Navy. Across all branches of the military, condom use runs about 50% according to the Pentagon. However, the Navy figures are more concerning. Among unmarried naval officers, condom use declined from 40% in 2002 to 30% in 2005, suggesting that the fear of HIV infection is not what it was ten years ago. And it doesn't seem like women sailors are any more fearful. Their condom use has declined at a rate similar to male sailors. Currently, the Navy estimates it has 560 of its sailors in HIV care with an annual cost between $7 million and $20 million.
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Researchers Do an About Face - N95 Masks Aren't any Better in Stopping H1N1
In a complete turn around from data released in September, researchers now say N95 masks are really offer no better protection against H1N1 flu than the typical disposable surgical mask. Back in September their story was different; stating that N95 masks offered the only true protection against the swine flu. Now after reanalysis, the story has changed; researchers believe N95 masks really offer little advantage over disposable masks. Why the change? Other studies contradicted the earlier findings of the study based in Sydney, Australia. In fact a Canadian study suggested there was no difference between the two types of mask. Looks like more confusion in the ongoing events surrounding the H1N1 flu.
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Obama Lifts Ban on US Entry of People Living with HIV
While signing the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Act extension, President Obama announced that he is lifting a 22 year ban on US entry of people living with HIV and AIDS. Siting the US leadership role in HIV care around the world, Obama said it was time for the US to start acting like a leader, being one of only a dozen countries that still had a travel ban in place. With this new ruling, the travel ban will be lifted shortly after the first of the year 2010.
Obama Signs Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009
The President has signed a bill reauthorizing the Ryan White Programs until 2013. By signing the reauthorization, important HIV care and support services will continue for the insured and uninsured alike. Sponsored originally in 1990 by Senator Ted Kennedy and others, Ryan White programs have since provided essential services for over 500,000 people living with HIV in the US and its territories.
What Do You Think?
Should the HIV travel ban be lifted? Should people living with HIV be allowed to enter the US? I would love to hear what you think.
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Do I Have Shingles?
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President Obama Declares H1N1 a National Emergency
With over 1000 deaths attributed to H1N1 flu staring us all in the face and long lines for what little H1N1 flu vaccine that is available, President Obama has declared H1N1 flu a national emergency. A spokesman from the Obama Administration equates this declaration to local state of emergencies that are declared before a hurricane hits land. With the growing number and rate of infections, and the threat of H1N1 flu cases overwhelming the healthcare system in some communities, this declaration allows a more rapid response and movement of resources to areas that need them. While a little over 16 million doses of H1N1 flu vaccine have been manufactured, experts say that number is nowhere near what was expected for this period in the pandemic. Forty-six states now report widespread H1N1 infections; analogous to the peak of a typical flu season. For the flu season to peak this early is very unusual experts caution, warning we have not yet seen the peak of the H1N1 pandemic.
What Do You Think?
With all you know about the swine flu and all you have heard about the potential for disaster, do you think the President made the right decision?Photo courtesy of Getty Images
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FDA Panel Approves HPV Vaccine for Boys
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given its approval for boys age 9 to 26 to receive the HPV vaccine Gardasil. The vaccine has been in use with females 9 to 26 since 2006. HPV, also known as human papillomavirus can cause cervical cancer in women. In men HPV can lead to anal cancers and genital warts. While there are dozens of strains of HPV, Gardasil targets the 4 that most commonly cause cancers and rectal warts. Ideally, the vaccine is gotten before becoming sexually active since that is the way HPV is transmitted. Note that for now, Gardasil use in boys is only being considered in the prevention of rectal warts not cancers at this time.
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HIV Vaccine Trial Results are Not What they Appear
About a month ago, HIV researchers released data that suggested their HIV vaccine was safe and 31% effective in preventing HIV among the 16,000 participants of the study. The researchers admitted at the time that the data was less convincing then they would have liked. Now two separate publications, Science Magazine and The Wall Street Journal site anonymous researchers were given confidential briefings of the trial results and the results "may be weaker than the authors admitted". The anonymous researchers say the vaccine's effectiveness may be closer to 26%, not the 31% originally reported. However, the director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Anthony Fauci defended the trial his organization funded, saying the analysis used in the trial was the "gold standard" but did admit that different analysis could produce weaker results.
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HIV Signs and Symptoms - Dealing With Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be a life threatening problem if not treated correctly and rapidly. Diarrhea purges the body of needed fluid and electrolytes, resulting in dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. In addition it is one of the most annoying HIV symptoms. But there is hope. This feature spells out some ideas on how you can get control of the diarrhea. Read more...
Forum Post of the Day
"Has anyone ever developed a rash from taking Viramune? My doctor thinks that the Viramune may be affecting my liver which would cause the skin rashes as an indication of a more serious problem. We're gonna wait and see what my blood test show. I just want to know if anyone has ever experienced problems with taking Viramune."Please Share Your Medication Troubles, Triumphs, and Experiences
Resources to Help With Those HIV Symptoms
The Pain and Itching of Shingles
Each year more than one million people in the U.S. suffer an outbreak of shingles, a blistering rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. A viral infection that is characterized by tingling, itching, and fluid-filled blisters, shingles is common among people living with HIV. Needless to say, shingles symptoms are uncomfortable and can be horribly painful. What's more, shingles symptoms can mimic other conditions, from a drug rash to poison ivy. So are you having shingles symptoms? There are a few ways to tell, but first let me explain exactly what shingles is and who's at risk.
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Why Should You Get an HIV Test?
As the epidemic continues, experts are searching for ways to slow the rate of new infections. HIV professionals agree that the best way to slow the epidemic is for people to know their HIV status. The only way to do that is by getting HIV tested. People seem reluctant to get HIV tested but there are benefits to knowing your status. Here are 5 reasons why you should get HIV tested.
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