Understanding, diagnosing, and treating HIV and AIDS have significantly advanced since the early 1980s when the virus and related complications were first recognized.
“The current medications are truly remarkable,” notes Toby Fugate, DO, HIV specialist and medical director of Roper St. Francis Health Services Center. “Just a single pill daily is significantly improving health, effectively reducing the virus to undetectable levels, while posing a minimal risk of side effects and being highly tolerable for patients.”
These treatments are not only safe and effective but are also more accessible than ever. “In facilities like ours, we have the means to provide treatment to everyone who seeks it, regardless of their ability to afford the treatment and care,” Dr. Fugate states.
The most recent data (2021) shows there are about 1.2 million people living with HIV in the US with around 13 percent unaware of their infection. Since 2017, HIV infection rates have declined slightly throughout the US, with 52 percent of new infections occurring in Southern states.
Who is Most At-Risk for HIV and AIDS
Studies indicate that African Americans are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. The SCDHEC reveals that 68 percent of those living with HIV/AIDS are African American, almost triple the number of white individuals with HIV/AIDS.
The infection rates are also increasing among young men who have sex with men (MSM), a group the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify as being at the highest risk for HIV and AIDS. While infection rates among individuals who inject drugs are also rising, the increase is not as pronounced as in the MSM group.
Preventing HIV: Know Your Status, Reduce Risky Behavior
The most effective HIV prevention strategy is awareness of one’s status.
“Everyone should get tested,” Dr. Fugate urges. “Knowing your status and being realistic about your risks enables you to take steps to stay healthy and prevent HIV infection.”
However, testing is not as widespread as recommended.
“One in seven people with HIV are unaware of their infection. Routine testing for everyone between ages 13 and 64 is yet to be universally adopted in the medical community. There’s significant work to be done in ensuring that primary care physicians and community service partners discuss high-risk behaviors for HIV and offer testing to their patients,” Dr. Fugate explains.
For those at risk, there are ways to lower their chances of infection, such as taking Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP is a safe, effective method for people at risk of HIV to avoid infection. It involves taking a daily pill or an injecton to prevent the virus from establishing an infection.
People can also protect themselves from HIV by:
- Using condoms
- Limiting the number of sexual partners
- Avoiding needle sharing
- Regular testing for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Find Care, Education, and Support
Roper St. Francis Health Services Center is a sexual health facility offering comprehensive care for individuals living with HIV/AIDS, along with preventive services like PrEP and nPEP. Learn more.