Report by: Kristin Wilson

     The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that at least half of all new HIV infections in the United States are among people under the age of 25.The majority of these young people were infected sexually. Even though there is no cure for AIDS, early detection can prolong the duration and quality of their lives. Most importantly, early detection will help individuals reduce the likelihood of transmission to others.

     There are several places where students can go to get tested for the AIDS virus, such the Harrisonburg Health Department or Rockingham Memorial Hospital. Perhaps the most convenient, however, is the University Health Center.

     "Typically students walk-in, but appointments are preferred," said Andrea Hollister, a counseling graduate student who has work in the Health Center for two years.

     One thing that often deters students from taking a test is the idea that someone will find out. Do not let this bother you, the center offers free anonymous testing. It is important to realize that students are tested for a variety of reasons, not because they may be involved is risky sexual behavior. Some reasons are that they are victims of assault, their partner has been unfaithful, or simply their Health Sciences professor gives extra credit for talking a HIV test. "Our busiest time is at the beginnings and ends of semesters. Many students just want peace of mind," Hollister said.

*FACTS*

*18-25 heterosexuals are currently most at risk.

*12,206 REPORTED cases of AIDS in Virginia.

*720 REPORTED HIV cases in Va.

     When a student calls to make an appointment, the receptionist will ask for first name only, one can make up a pseudo-name if they wish. A name is only used so that the person giving the test can locate the patient in the lobby. They are then given a test number, which is used strictly for organizational purposes. When he or she comes in for the test results in two weeks, the number is used to identify the student. No results are given over the phone as a confidentiality precaution. Before the blood test is taken, students are given pre-test counseling. The counselors are health science and counseling graduate students who have received HIV/AIDS training. During this session the counselor will ask how the student believes he or she may have been infected and explains the ways in which the disease is transmitted.

     The blood test is then administered and form is filled out which lists the patients sexual status. It includes categories such as sexual orientation, race, age and IV drug use. This information is used for statistical purposes only. The test, which takes approximately two weeks to process, is then sent to the State Health Department in Richmond. The results are sent back to the University Health Center when the test's analysis is complete. Students schedule a meeting to come back to the Health Center to discuss the text results. It is important to realize that is takes a little while for the virus to show up in one's system. "A couple of weeks is the earliest [HIV] would show. If it hasn't been quite that long, come back in three to six months. If it hasn't showed up then, it's not there," Hollister said. If students prefer to go elsewhere to be tested, the Harrisonburg Health Center offers free anonymous testing Tuesday evenings. If the student finds that he or she has tested positive for the virus they can be referred to another clinic or doctor for further treatment, at the students request.

     It is extremely important that students participate in HIV detection and prevention, if not for themselves, for the well being of others. We must not forget that we are all susceptible to the AIDS virus. Early detection can be the first step in fighting the spread of the disease. If you don't already get tested periodically for the HIV, it is something you should seriously consider.

How HIV can be contracted:

*If infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids enter your body, you may get HIV. This can be through anal, oral or vaginal sex or IV drug use. Condoms, dental dams and clean needles can help prevent transmission.

HIV/AIDS INFORMATION

American Association for World Health- www.aawhworldhealth.org

American College Health Association- www.acha.org

Center for Disease Control and Prevention- www.cdc.gov

National AIDS Clearinghouse 1.800.458.5231

Virginia State Health Department 1.800.533.4148