Latest HIV Research Every Women Needs

This is the latest HIV research every women needs. Yes, we said EVERY WOMAN. HIV doesn’t discriminate and neither should you. First of all, when you think of good health do you include sexual health? It’s time we did and knowledge is power. To that end, we’ve assembled the ultimate guide to the latest research on women and HIV, why it matters and most importantly, what you can do.

Reading this might not make you the new Captain Marvel, but it will give you the power to protect.

Every one that is sexually active is vulnerable to HIV. The recent decreasing HIV rate among women is promising but we must amplify that momentum for all women. You take charge in where you go, what you wear and even what time you arrive. Why not take charge of your health?  Let’s start today. Knowledge is power so here are the latest numbers:

1. Nationally
   • 86% of women in the US contracted HIV through heterosexual contact¹
   • 59% of women in the US that contracted HIV were black¹
   • 41% of new HIV cases occur in women between the ages of 13-34¹
2. Florida
   • 90% of women in Florida contracted HIV through heterosexual contact²
   • 61% of women in Florida that contracted HIV were black²
   • 21% of all new cases were in women²

The largest HIV conference in the world, Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI), recently came to a conclusion. Every year, top doctors and clinical researchers assemble from around the world to present the latest clinical research findings. Consequently, this is the conference for any groundbreaking HIV or Hepatitis news.

Here are CROI 2019 highlights from a record number of studies focusing on women’s health issues:

• Increase in Sexually Transmitted Infections in women
• Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) access and retention
• Family planning and HIV prevention
• Perinatal care and HIV

OIC participates in many ongoing clinical research trials that span the globe. This year, OIC had two experts, our Medical Director, Dr. Edwin DeJesus, and Dr. Charlotte-Paige Rolle, OIC’s Director of Research Operations present findings from clinical research conducted at OIC.

Click here for the ultimate guide to the latest research on women and HIV presented at CROI2019

Now that you know more, how do you put this knowledge in action? It’s simple! Follow these 4 easy tips and take charge of your health.

1. GET EDUCATED– Get educated about HIV from reputable sources.
   1. Talk to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist or case manager.
   2. Talk, Test, Treat – Florida Department of Health (FDOH) local guide to all HIV testing resources
   3. Orlando Immunology Center – Local doctors office at the forefront of HIV prevention and treatment for over 20 years
2. GET TESTED – Get tested regularly.
   1. Doctor – If you have a doctor, ask them to include it in your routine lab work.
   2. Talk, Test, Treat – A FDOH local guide to all HIV testing resources with a complete listing of organizations that offer HIV prevention and testing resources. Most of these resources are FREE* or offered on a nominal sliding scale.
3. GET TREATED – Negative or Positive you should be seeing a doctor regularly.
   1. HIV Negative – PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) can prevent HIV? PrEP is a medical regimen that includes doctor visits, labs and taking 1 pill once a day and can be up to 99% effective at preventing HIV. You may be eligible to receive these services for FREE*.
      • Doctors Office –  Many doctors provide PrEP. Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and Veterans Affairs cover it. Just ask!
      • Florida Department of Health PrEP Provider List – Provides PrEP on a sliding scale or FREE* to those that qualify.
      • Orlando Immunology Center – The first to prescribe PrEP in the Central Florida area. (407) 647-3960
   2. HIV Positive – There is no reason why someone in America that has HIV should not be in medical care. You may be eligible to receive services for FREE*. Here are the primary methods for people with HIV to access medical care –
      • Doctors Office – Insurance, Medicare, Medicaid and Veterans Affairs cover it.
      • Florida Department of Health – Provides Ryan White medical services on a sliding scale or FREE* for those that qualify-
      • Orlando Immunology Center – One of the leading centers in the country for the prevention, treatment and evaluation of HIV. (407) 647-3960
4. GET INVOLVED – Get involved in your community. Did you know that one simple, easy action could help save your community?
   1. Talk – Talk to a friend, coworker or family member about what you’ve learned. Find out what their strategy for good health is.
   2. Social Media – The POWER is in your hands. With a simple click of a button, you can “share” this and help your entire social network! Sharing truly is caring. #CROI2019 #clinicalresearch#OICorlando
   3. Clinical Study – Volunteer for a clinical study at OIC! Women are under represented in clinical research so call Jocelyn Montesdeoca, Study Recruiter,  at (407) 647-3960 today to see if you qualify.

Like we said, reading this didn’t give you any superpowers. But it does give you the power to protect the most precious things in the world – you, your family and friends.

And, really, isn’t that…super?

Sam Graper,
Orlando Immunology Center
Community Relations Manager

STAY CONNECTED! Join the convo on our social media channels – Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Linked In. #OICorlando

*FREE – Provided at no cost to you. Everything has value. You and your health are the most valuable. The programs or services listed above marked “FREE*” are primarily paid for through various state and federal grants like CDC prevention or the Ryan White grants. Many services are offered on a sliding scale which simply means people pay what they can afford. Whether its a “FREE” HIV test, “FREE” HIV care, or “FREE” PrEP, it has tremendous value even though you might not pay…the most valuable thing is you being able to stay healthy.

References:

1. Source: CDC. Diagnoses of HIV infection in the United States and dependent areas, 2017. HIV Surveillance Report 2018;29
2. Source: Florida data from: FL Department of Health, Bureau of Communicable Diseases, HIV/AIDS Section