HIV infection and AIDS is graying with people now living 25-30 years after contracting the virus. “Those over age 50 may be dating for the first time (as a result of being widowed or divorced) after years in a monogamous relationship. They may not realize that there are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as human papillomavirus virus (HPV), herpes and HIV for which there is no cure,” said Sarasota County Health Department medical director Dr. William Heymann.

To help adults over 50 know their HIV status, free HIV testing events will take place throughout Sarasota County from Sept. 13-18 as part of the National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness observance. On Friday, Sept. 17, free HIV testing will be available from 9-11 a.m. at Senior Friendship Center, 1888 Brother Geenen Way, Sarasota, and from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Venice Senior Friendship Center, 2350 Scenic Drive, Venice. Free HIV testing also will be available from 9 a.m.-noon on Saturday, Sept. 18, at Planned Parenthood’s Sarasota Health Center, 736 Central Ave., Sarasota. The Sarasota County Health Department’s Health In Motion Mobile Health Unit staff also will provide free HIV testing at various locations throughout Sarasota County.

Health officials say that 20 percent of all new HIV infections in the U.S. occur among those over age 50. According to state and local health department reports, about 36 percent of the 836 people currently living with HIV/AIDS in Sarasota County are over 50.

HIV tests take only a few minutes. Results are available in a few days to two weeks. Rapid HIV tests allow you to get preliminary results in about 20 minutes. Health officials say that there are additional ways to reduce your risk for HIV infection:

• Be safe: The best way to prevent HIV is to abstain from having sex. If you do have sex, use a new condom every time. Female condoms are available and can be put in place up to six hours before sexual activity.
• Talk about it: Have a candid discussion with your partner since they may have made decisions in the past while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, putting them at risk for STDs and HIV. If they have been tested, find out when and the result of the test.
• Talk to Your doctor: If you are sexually active, you should get tested for HIV at least once. Do not assume your doctor will ask you to be tested for HIV.

The HIV and AIDS Network of Southwest Florida (HANS) is committed to putting an end to HIV-AIDS related stigma, discrimination and misinformation about prevention, care and treatment for those over 50. National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day, is a national campaign, launched by The AIDS Institute and supported by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of HIV/AIDS Policy. The purpose if the campaign is to increase awareness about the complex issues related to HIV prevention, care and treatment for aging populations in the United States.

For more information on local events and HIV testing opportunities, visit the HANS website, www.hivsarasota.org, or call the Sarasota County Call Center at 941-861-5000.

National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Observance – HIV tests