World AIDS Day has been recognized on December 1st every year since 1998. The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated it as one of the eight official global public health campaigns.
The focus of World AIDS Day is to raise awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the HIV infection.
Although the campaign extends throughout the year, World AIDS Day is the day when many events take place throughout the world to bring attention to this serious disease. The observance is recognized with educational programs on AIDS prevention and control.
In recognition of World AIDS Day Jamaica Hospital Medical Center is sharing the following facts:
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) affects the body’s immune system. If not treated properly, HIV can develop into Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
- It has been estimated that 1.2 million people in the United States and 36.7 million people worldwide are presently living with HIV. In the United States, one out of eight does not know that they are infected.
- The virus is either transmitted when certain bodily fluids come in contact with a mucous membrane within the body or a cut in the skin or through the sharing of needles and syringes of people who are infected.
- HIV can only be transmitted by way of blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids or breast milk.
- HIV virus is not spread by water or air, mosquitoes, ticks or other insects, saliva, tears, sweat, sharing a toilet seat or by simple person -to- person touching.
- There is no cure for HIV but there are ways to slow down its progression.
If you would like to speak to a physician about HIV and AIDS, or if you would like to be tested, you may schedule an appointment at Jamaica Hospital at 718-206-7001.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.