New HIV Cases Continue Despite All Our Efforts

HIV and AIDS Myths Continue to Fuel the Epidemic

Despite our best prevention efforts, education and an emphasis on testing, the number of new HIV infections has stayed stable and, in some cases, risen. Recently, surveillance numbers have shown that the number of new cases is higher than we once believed. In some populations, such as people older than 50 and minority heterosexual women, the infection rates are approaching all-time highs. Women, for example, make up about 25% of all new HIV cases. These types of trends have health officials concerned about what they describe as a complacency surrounding HIV, especially among groups with an increased risk. In fact, research now shows that among gay and bisexual men, there is an undercurrent of complacency that has led to steady and, in some cases, increased infection rates. So what has led to this complacency? Researchers theorize that there are myths and misconceptions that have helped fuel the continued growth of HIV. Let's look at a few of these myths:

Myth #1 - We Have Defeated HIV
It's no secret in the HIV community that our medications have greatly improved the quality and length of life among those living with HIV. Reports in the media and on the Internet hail the progress that has been made in fighting the disease. In addition, word of mouth among people living with HIV has created this opinion among some that HIV has been beaten. In my practice, I have heard many times "if I get infected, I can just take the medicines." If only that were the case. The truth is that HIV continues to spread and infect despite the medicines. In addition, resistance to medications actually is making it harder to keep peoples' viruses at bay for long periods of time. HIV is very much alive and well and continues to present a huge public health problem.

Myth #2 - Prevention Doesn't Work, So Why Bother?
The fact is, prevention has worked in many segments of the population. Changing behavior is a very difficult thing to do, but prevention efforts seem to make a difference. Sadly, high risk behaviors continue despite prevention education. These behaviors are contributing to the steady infection rate.

Myth #3 - We Are Already Infected. We Don't Need to Use Condoms.
This is a common misconception among people living with HIV. Actually, condom use among couples who are HIV positive is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. HIV superinfection can and does occur, making HIV treatment much more difficult. What's more, many newly infected people are being infected with a resistant virus, complicating their HIV treatment. These poorly controlled HIV cases can fuel the current epidemic as a source of new infection.

Myth #4 - My Partner and I Are Monogamous — We Have No HIV Risk and Don't Need Testing
This is a common misconception among many people. In my practice, it's not uncommon for a woman to tell me her boyfriend or fiance assured her he was "clean." It is also not uncommon for the young gay couple to profess to being monogamous, when in fact one partner has strayed from time to time. The fact of the matter is people are sometimes dishonest and reluctant to be forthcoming with their past sexual history. HIV testing is the only way to know for sure. Plus, knowing your status is an essential part of staying healthy, both for you and your partner. Undiagnosed HIV is a huge source of new infections in this country and certainly in the hardest hit areas around the world.

Myth #5 - There Is Going to be a Vaccine Soon, So I'll Be Fine.
The truth is that we are still years away from an affective vaccine to prevent HIV. Recently, there have been many vaccine failures, dimming the prospect of an effective preventative vaccine anytime in the near future. A vaccine typically prevents a disease from occurring, rarely doing anything for those already inflicted with the disease, so preventing the disease is key.

We have made great strides in our fight against the epidemic, but we have to continue fighting and working on preventing HIV infection. Prevention is the best way to win this battle against this disease now and in the future. If we become complacent, if we believe the myths, we will take a giant step backward. In the case of HIV, we can't afford to go back any further.

_Source:

Center for Disease Control; "HIV/AIDS Among Women"; 1 Jun 2007.