The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Health Agency speaks of a worrying increase in HIV contamination in a press release published on December 9. Between April and November 2024, the infectious disease departments of hospital centers in the region identified 14 cases of HIV contamination with the same viral strain. By alerting, the health agency and associations reinforce the message of prevention and screening. More Are seniors the blind spot? prevention of this virus? At least that’s what a 2022 Ifop survey points out.
In a few decades, sexuality seniors has transformed. However, the survey reveals that this population perceives a HIV infection like a distant risk. Of 1,500 people aged 50 to 79 surveyed, 72% declared themselves sexually active: 66% with only one partner and 6% in multi-partnerships. The survey shows that seniors underestimate their risk of infection by this virus. Results that worry doctors and associations.
In a report published in 2022 by Public Health France on HIV contamination, seniors constitute a significant part of the epidemic in France, with 23% of new discoveries occurring in this age group in 2021.
The importance of prevention and screening among seniors
Prevention and screening constitute the two essential aspects to protect themselves. However, according to the survey, among the 6% of seniors having several sexual partners, 24% say they never use a condom. Concerning screening, only 7% of those questioned had taken an HIV test in the last 12 months. Among the 6% of multi-partners, this rate only reaches 28%.
The ARS reminds that the blood test of screening of HIV can be carried out without a prescription, without an appointment, without advance payment and in any medical analysis laboratory.
The agency also highlights the effectiveness of HIV treatmentwhich allows, for people carrying the virus, to reduce viral load close to zero andavoid contamination. “It is undiagnosed and/or untreated people who transmit the virus,” she said in a press release.
Health
Related News :