It's Never Just HIV

When you get HIV, it's never just HIV. You're at a higher risk for dozens of diseases even if you take medications, like osteoporosis, dementia, and anal cancer.

• Category

  Education

[Brittney D]

They really make it sound like they are introducing a scary movie.

[mbuitron]

If NYC Health wants to point fingers, they should be pointing it at themselves, dropping the ball when it comes to addressing the issues that put these most vulnerable populations at risk.

[mbuitron]

Yes, it's never "just HIV." I did data analysis on a longitudinal study comparing older/younger and negative/positive populations. Some HIV positive persons cognitive function was comparable to negative controls. When you look at those gay men more likely to get dementia, anal cancer, or a host of other complications, you're likely to see lots of homelessness, poverty, history of incarceration, drug addiction, undiagnosed or untreated mental health disorders, and lack of access to healthcare.

[Phillip Marlowe]

Ugh...the ol' "shame on you".

I really do not know how you got people living with HIV should give up out of this. Really. Its like saying an anti-smoking ad is telling lung cancer victims to give up. It is called directly targeting a heavily affected group. Get over your hyper sensitivity.

[Phillip Marlowe]

Right. So if the main groups being infected are gays and IDU, what is the best way to reach the most people at risk for HIV? HIV affects everyone in America, but the majority of new cases are from gays and IDU...so hit them hard with PSAs to get the message out.

[Phillip Marlowe]

Ok....:), no worries! I apologize if I was too harsh, but I am used to needing to be harsh with the stance I take on things.

[Paulus Hardi]

Don't get me wrong. It's not about me being happy or not. Your comment, now is what I called "Smart Comment". Thanks for reply.

[Phillip Marlowe]

BTW...I am NOT anti gay. I have known many gay people throughout my life, and could truly care less if they get married or any other social issue. I have very close friends that are gay guys. BUT-There is this blanket mentality given to HIV and education that everyone is at the same risk. It makes people at low risk- heteros- freak out over touching a dick or pussy unprotected. All I have ever said is that education of HIV should be aimed proportionally to those it affects.

[Phillip Marlowe]

YES! Circumcision IS a factor. Plenty of studies back this up, it doubles the risk not being cut.

70% of HIV *in America* is from BOTH gay men and IDU, or a combo of the 2. My source? The CDC. Look it up. Here is a direct quote:"In 2009, MSM accounted for 61% of new HIV infections in the US" Add in injection drug users and you will get about 70%. Again, that is from about 2-3% of the population. Happy now?