By Amy Fouraker
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 34 million people worldwide are infected with HIV/AIDS. Approximately 1.2 million people in the United States are currently infected with HIV and 50,000 more become infected each year. The number of undiagnosed individuals is astounding. Some 20 percent of Americans with HIV are unaware they are infected, making it more likely they will transmit the virus to others.
HIV is a retrovirus that uses reverse transcriptase to produce DNA from its RNA genome. This process is the reverse of how regular viruses function. By inserting its genes into its host’s chromosomal DNA, retroviruses persist in infected cells which are duplicated throughout the host’s body. The HIV virus destroys specificblood cells that are essential for fightingdiseases. Individuals with the virus can develop flu-likesymptoms while others are asymptomatic. Medication is available to limit or slow down the destruction of the body’s immune system.
In honor of those who have been infected with AIDS, the NAMES Project Foundation has constructed a quilt consisting of more than 47,000 panels. These panels represent more than 90,000 individuals who have lost their lives to AIDS. Weighing more than 54 tons the quilt is the largest ongoing piece of community folk art in the world. The AIDS Memorial Quilt serves to promote healing, heighten awareness, and inspire action in the age of AIDS.
Daytona State College hosted a portion of the quilt on Monday, Nov. 21, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Quilt was on display at the Daytona Beach Campus in the Photography Hall building 530.
“The Quilt was moving and eye opening. AIDS is not something most people think about on a daily basis, so it is nice to see awareness being spread at our school,” said student Kristen Miller.
The Quilt was put on display in honor of World AIDS Day which is recognized on Dec. 1 of every year. World AIDS Day highlights global HIV/AIDS prevention success and the continued commitment to diagnose and save more lives. The day pays tribute to the millions of people who are infected with HIV/AIDS in the United States and around the world and is acknowledged college wide at DSC.
HIV testing can save lives by ensuring that care and treatment is provided. The Volusia County Health Department offers HIV testing in eight different locations throughout the area. The most common way to test for HIV is by taking a blood sample. Tests using saliva or urine are also available. Most tests take a few days for results, but rapid HIV tests can give results in approximately 20 minutes. If an HIV test is positive, it must be followed up with another test to confirm the positive results.
“Testing is essential if you have any concerns that you may be at risk,” said Patrick Hole, medical assistant and DSC student. Promising scientific developments and promoting awareness about prevention, care and treatment allows millions of lives worldwide to be saved. Many people are committed to the goal that an AIDS-free generation can be achieved and the prevention of transmitting the virus to millions of people can be accomplished.