Over a million people in the United States are living with HIV, and approximately 13 percent of them are not aware they are infected.
World AIDS Day on Thursday is an opportunity to show support by increasing HIV awareness, encouraging prevention and linkage to care, and speaking out against stigma.
People who are HIV+ can live a longer and healthier life by obtaining viral suppression. Viral suppression is achieved by medication adherence to reduce the amount of virus in one’s body. In southern Illinois, 96% of clients who are enrolled in Southern Illinois HIV Care Connect are virally suppressed.
The Jackson County Health Department provides risk reduction options such as comprehensive STD/HIV testing and PrEP, a one-a-day pill to help prevent the transmission of HIV.
The symbol for World AIDS Day is the red ribbon. People are asked to wear a red ribbon or red clothing on Thursday to raise awareness.
