Almost 60% of Youth Ages 16-24 with HIV Do Not Know It!

According to the Center for Disease Control, almost 60% of youth ages 16-24 with HIV do not know it.
Today, an estimated 1.2 million people are living with HIV in the United States. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus spread through bodily fluids that attacks immune cells within the body. When the virus infection begins to compromise the body’s defense against the disease it leads to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV can be contracted through 6 different bodily fluids most commonly through sex with a partner who has HIV or by sharing needles used for drug activity with persons that have the virus.

The only way to know if you are infected with HIV is to get tested! Many people who are infected with HIV may not display symptoms for 10 years after being exposed, however, some people do report flu-like symptoms. At Student Health Promotion, we offer free, confidential HIV testing that can yield results in less than a half hour. The department also offers free condoms, counseling, and brochures on the ways to prevent HIV and participate in safe sexual practices. If you would like to learn more about HIV/AIDS come out to the campus-wide event World AIDS Day on December 1, 2015.