Did you remember to take your test today?
Don’t freak out if you forgot about it. There is no studying necessary for this one and, truth be told, you can always make it up tomorrow, the next day or any day you please. But, unlike some upcoming math tests you may or may not pass, this test can save lives — maybe even yours.
If you haven’t clued in yet, the test mentioned here is for HIV, and today is national HIV testing day. Approximately 10,000 organizations across the country — including the HIV aliance, the Lane County Health Center, Planned Parenthood and White Bird Clinic, all located in Eugene — are offering tests to anyone who wants one.
The World Health Organization estimates that 16,000 people are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDs, everyday. Statistics from the American College Health Association show that one in every 500 university students is HIV positive. With an enrollment of nearly 18,000 students at this campus, that works out to be about 36 students.
Doesn’t sound like a lot, unless you happen to be one of them or, worse yet, one of the 36 just happens to be your new unknowing partner and the two of you can’t decide whether an HIV tests, before venturing into the sexual realm of your relationship, is worth your time. He or she doesn’t look like they have the virus, you’re saying to yourself.
Go ahead then, have sex, take the risk. Or why not make a better choice that can serve two purposes? One, it can give you what most likely will be a clean bill of health when it comes to HIV. And, for some people, taking the test clears the mind of the constant fear that the test will absolutely come back positive. Remember, chances are much better that it will come back negative.
So, what about all of these reports that a cure has been found for HIV? Or the stories about people living longer and longer with the disease, even once they reach the level of contracting AIDs?
It is true that some of the new drug therapies on the market are vastly improving the lives of those living with HIV but, contrary to any media reports you think you heard, no cure for the virus has been found as of today, June 27 you know, national HIV testing day.
If you haven’t been tested for the deadly virus, or it’s been a few years since your last one, then why not go by one of the clinics mentioned above, take a few minutes and get tested?
The result may surprise you one way or another, but in the end, just knowing could end up saving a few lives.
This editorial represents the view of the Emerald editorial board. Responses may be sent to [email protected]