Lafayette brings HIV/AIDS to light

LAFAYETTE - It has become an epidemic in Africa. It's touched more than one million adults and children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Clarian Arnett Infectious Diseases Physician Thomas Meyer said the disease even lives right here in the Lafayette area.

"HIV is very common and it's common around the Lafayette area. There's a lot of people who have unrecognized, undiagnosed HIV. It's in the community, there's people out there who clearly are HIV infected and don't even know it," said Meyer.

Meyer said those who are infected can live normal lives but it could also be a dangerous one.

"HIV is a disease that can be completely silent for long periods of time and unless you know it, you can allow it to destroy your immune system, you can spread it to other people you love and care about," said Meyer.

In 2006, the CDC reported almost three quarters of HIV and AIDS diagnoses among teens and adults were for men. For people who have been or currently are sexually active Meyer suggests taking an HIV oral swab kit. If positive, Meyer said the disease should be confirmed with a blood test.

"It's something that if you find out early about, you can take care of the infection before it weakens the immune system and causes you to get sick. It's not the death sentence that it was 20 years ago. There's medicines out there that can control the HIV and really knock it down so it doesn't cause people to get sick," said Meyer.

The American College of Physicians said every year 20,000 people become infected with HIV and remain unaware. Now, the organization is recommending HIV testing for everyone 13 years of age and older regardless or risk factors. Meyer said in some cases that may be too soon for children.

"I think you need to be open with your children about sex and sexual behavior and the risk for HIV. I think it would be much more effective to talk about the risk of exposure and protecting themselves as opposed to just rushing them off for testing before they've had sexual experiences," said Meyer.

In honor of World AIDS Day the Center for Mental Health will host a red balloon release. It will be held Monday, December 1 at 11:30 a.m. at the First Source Bank building in Lafayette. The balloon release will be in the courtyard on the side of the bank. An open house will be held following the balloon release. Free testing for HIV Syphilis and Hepatitis C will be available during the week.