World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1st, serves to strengthen global efforts to address the challenges of the AIDS epidemic, an epidemic which continues to spread throughout every region of the world. World AIDS Day is also a time to remember those who have been lost to AIDS.

Some facts:

• There is still no cure for AIDS. Although there are treatments that can increase the quality of life of a patient, many of these medications have serious side effects, must be taken on a continuing, strict time schedule and are expensive.
• Long Island ranks among the highest number AIDS cases in suburban areas in the United States. Nassau County has a cumulative total of 3,414 AIDS cases since 1985 (through December, 2001.)
• The CDC has estimated that up to 1/3 of those individuals infected with HIV do not know their status, which prevents them from getting early care and treatment.

Age breakdown reveals:

• Age 13 - 29: 456 AIDS cases
• Age 30 - 49: 2,524 AIDS cases
• Age 50 and over: 434 AIDS cases
  
• HIV has increasingly become a woman's disease. Heterosexual contact is the greatest risk for women, followed by injection drug use.
  
• Despite myths and stereotypes, many seniors are still sexually active. Therefore, their behaviors can put them at risk for HIV infection.
  
• Racial and ethnic minorities have been disproportionately affected by HIV infection.

To learn more about HIV/AIDS confidential counseling and the new 20-minute HIV test available at the Nassau County Department of Health, call the HIV Bureau at (516) 571-2019 weekdays between 9:00a.m. - 4:45 p.m. All information is kept confidential.