World AIDS Day

It’s World AIDS Day. Ever since the US started systematic HIV testing back in 1985, there have been 921 reported cases of HIV, with 345 people progressing to AIDS. Of those, 177 have passed away. Right now, about 744 people are living with HIV in America, including nine children. On average, we see over 50 new cases detected every year, which keeps the US in a relatively low-risk category. Most of those affected are men (about 85%), mostly through homosexual contact. Mandatory testing for voluntary blood donors was rolled out here in 1987.

Anyone ever actually gone for an HIV test? If not, why not? You think you're in a high-risk group or what?

So, I just got tested for HIV recently—part of the mandatory screening for IVF. I gotta admit (kind of embarrassing, honestly), I’d never actually tested before. I kept telling myself subconsciously that I wasn't "at risk," even though anyone sexually active really should just get checked.

I mean, I’m not exactly promiscuous and I’ve always used protection, except with one ex. Even though I trusted him, he’d had unprotected sex with other girls before me. I was young and stupid and just kept thinking, "he's probably fine." I took a totally unnecessary risk. I'm lucky everything turned out okay, but man, if life had played differently, things could've been bad. Also, I had surgery when I was a baby back in '82. Since blood donor testing didn't start until '87, that’s just another reason why getting tested is a smart move.

In the US, there are plenty of centers for anonymous and free HIV testing: Washington, D.C. (2), Indianapolis, Seattle, Miami, Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Maui, San Diego, and New Orleans.

Is fear keeping you from getting tested?

(Note: this thread isn't about living with HIV; it's about pushing people to actually go get tested and ditch that "it won't happen to me" mindset)

My thanks to copperraven53 for kicking off this thread and sharing her experience with us. 👍

Personally, I’ve never tested for HIV. It isn't out of fear, nor is it because I don't fall into a high-risk category—as a physician, I certainly do. There just hasn't been a reason yet; no needle sticks, nothing that would make testing necessary. But if the need arises, I won't hesitate to go.

Testing is essential whenever someone has been exposed to risk factors. In my view, the way the testing system is organized here in the States is quite effective, offering both anonymity and free services, just as my colleague described.

Living in constant doubt and uncertainty is far worse than simply getting tested and knowing the result. An HIV diagnosis shouldn't be treated as a taboo in this day and age.

Thanks, Maria Fisher46. Yeah, I mean, this shouldn't be some huge taboo, but it seems like people on here aren't exactly itching to talk about 😬. I guess I'm still hoping someone else might actually share their experience or, you know, give an opinion. 🙂

Since nobody else seems to be posting anything, I figured I’d jump in and share my own story
I actually got tested for HIV about a year and a half ago when I was storing stem cells after having my baby
Before that, I’d never even thought about getting tested. In my head, I wasn't exactly part of a "risk group"—I mean, I’m not out there being promiscuous, I don't do drugs, things like that
There were times I actually considered going in, though. I had a few unprotected encounters—not like one-night stands or anything, just instances where I thought, "Who knows what my exes were up to before they met me?"
But I never pulled the trigger. Part of it was honestly just fear of what the results might say, and part of it was that typical American denial: "Oh please, it’s so rare, it doesn't happen around here, it's mostly just junkies..." stuff like that
Looking back, I’m so glad I finally did it. Even though the chances of a positive result were tiny, I feel like I can finally breathe again now that it's over
The truth is, if I hadn't been required to get tested during the stem cell process, I probably would have never gone on my own...

Alright, I’m going to pull myself together and finally get this off my chest.
I honestly don't get why people still treat HIV/AIDS like some forbidden topic you can't mention in polite company.
But look, it hits different when it’s your own life on the line. It’s always easier to lecture someone else about being careful than it is to face the reality of your own choices.
I'll be blunt: I had a few risky encounters—nothing to brag about, obviously.
Afterward, I decided to go get tested. Thank God I did, because everything came back negative, and I learned a massive lesson from the experience.
So, here is my takeaway: There is absolutely no shame in seeking help or getting checked. The real disgrace is sitting on your hands and doing nothing.
It’s also beyond infuriating that even in this day and age, you still run into doctors who hold these outdated, ignorant views. Some of them actually still think it's strictly a "gay issue" or act like homosexuality itself is some kind of sickness.

I can’t say I’m entirely surprised by the lack of engagement on this thread... unfortunately, we’re still dealing with such a backward mindset where people cling to the outdated notion that HIV only affects sex workers or the gay community. There’s this pervasive, dangerous myth that you can’t contract HIV from just one encounter, either... but let’s be real, nobody walks around with their status tattooed on their forehead. If I had to bet, I’d wager there are corporate executives, university professors, and suburban housewives among those living with it right now.

Thanks to everyone jumping into this thread 🙂 I know people hate talking about this stuff, but hey, might as well try to spread some awareness. 👍

So, the US is basically considered low-risk right now, but I honestly wonder if these numbers—like, around 700 people—actually tell the whole story. Those are just the folks who actually got tested, right? Who knows how many people have HIV and just haven't found out yet?

I mean, yeah, you can't exactly tell if someone is HIV positive just by looking at them.

Plus, I was chatting with a doctor recently, and they said that with the meds we have nowadays, living with HIV is pretty much normal. Most people wouldn't even suspect a thing.

I haven't bothered getting tested because, honestly, I don't see how I could have picked anything up. In my entire life, aside from my ex-husband—who was actually tested, by the way😁—I've only been with my current partner, and we have always practiced safe sex.