HIV Testing NYC

NYC has been home to many of horror stories regarding HIV over the years. Since the 1980s, when HIV and HIV testing was on everyone’s mind, the disease has sat quiet, slowly wreaking havoc amidst the populace. The only thing that has changed when it comes to AIDS is the fact that this new generation looks at it as some sort of controllable disease, like earlier generations looked at syphilis and gonorrhea.

The facts, however, do not lie. Although there is medicine available these days to control the symptoms and that stops the slow death that was once inextricably linked to this plague, infections are still occurring at a startling rate. It is only through testing that one can be sure that they are safe from this disease and thus do everything in their power to prevent it from destroying them. NYC, being a city of alternative lifestyles, which includes people who are hooked on intravenous drugs, makes it a dangerous place for those out of the mainstream.

In the old days, 1980’s NYC was adorned with red ribbons which indicated people’s awareness of this deadly disease. Now days, NYC is muted, there are no more red ribbons on each and every lapel. Yet the statistics do not lie.

NYC is still at the top of the list for cities plagued by HIV and AIDS. There are three times as many cases in this city than there are nationwide. That should be a red flag—if not a red ribbon. HIV and AIDS is currently the third leading cause of death amongst city residents between the ages of 35 and 55. As you read this article there are over 105,000 people in NYC currently infected with HIV. Many of these cases will develop into full-blown AIDS. It will just take a much longer time to do so then it did in the 1980s.

Who will fall beneath the power of HIV in NYC?  The statistics indicate that there are many different types of people and classes that are still under threat from this disease. The suburbs have become a new breeding ground. Published reports suggest that rates of infection in them are rising proportionately to the city itself.

The elderly are also becoming victims at a startling pace. By 2008 older people represented over forty percent of new cases. That is an increase of twenty percent in five years.

Women are also rising in the ranks of the infected. Since 1985 the rate of women becoming infected with HIV has tripled to twenty seven percent. Men still outnumber women, but these numbers are frightening and if the trend continues they may catch up with men.

Everyone in NYC should be aware if the HIV status and thus be tested. If you are currently interested in having an HIV test done look no farther than the STD Center of NYC. Located just blocks from Grand Central Station, this facility offers state of the art testing and can help provide treatment for those unlucky enough to test positive. Log onto HIV Testing NYC website or call 1-212-696-5900 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            1-212-696-5900      end_of_the_skype_highlighting for more information and a quick appointment.