AIDS Increasing in Older Adults
ROCHESER, MINN. -- AIDS isn't just a young person's disease. The past decade has seen an increase in new cases of AIDS in older adults and a shift in the source of new infections, according to the February issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.
AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a collective term, depicted by the presence of infections, malignancies or other conditions not normally encountered in people with healthy immune systems. The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the cause of AIDS.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 4,980 people over 50 were newly infected with HIV in 1991. In 1996, the number was 6,090, an increase of 22 percent. The number of people over 50 infected through heterosexual contact has increased markedly. Although more people were infected through homosexual sex and intravenous drug use in both years, the rate of increase among heterosexuals was highest of any group.
If you are sexually active, you can lower the risk of infection by using a latex condom. There are female condoms available, too. However, no form of contraception provides 100 percent protection against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.
Shelly Plutowski507-284-5005 (days)507-284-2511 (evenings)e-mail: [email protected]
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