African-Americans and HIV/AIDS
African-Americans account for more than half (54 percent) of the 40,000
new HIV infections estimated to occur in the United States each year.
The facts:
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, AIDS is the leading cause of death among AfricanAmerican women ages 25-34 and African-American men ages 35-44.
■ AIDS is one of the top three causes of death for African-American men ages 25-54 and African-American
women ages 35-44.
■ At the end of 2002, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that 42 percent of all people
living with AIDS are African-American, the highest for any racial/ethnic group.
■
What is HIV?1
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. This virus may be passed from
one person to another when infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions come in contact with an
uninfected person’s broken skin or mucous membranes. (Mucous membranes are a wet, thin tissue found in
certain openings to the human body, such as the mouth, eyes, nose, vagina, rectum and the opening of
the penis.) Infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their baby during pregnancy or delivery, as well as
through breastfeeding.
People with HIV have what is called HIV infection. Some of these people will develop AIDS as a result of their
HIV infection.
What is AIDS? 2
AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. AIDS is caused by infection with the virus called HIV.
AIDS results in a weakening of the immune system.
How does HIV cause AIDS?3
HIV destroys a certain kind of blood cell (CD4+T cells) which is crucial to the normal function of the human
immune system. In fact, loss of these cells in people with HIV is an extremely powerful predictor of the
development of AIDS. Sensitive tests have shown a strong connection between the amount of HIV in the
blood and the decline in CD4+T cells and the development of AIDS. Reducing the amount of virus in the body
with anti-retroviral therapies can dramatically slow the destruction of a person’s immune system.
How many African-Americans have HIV/AIDS in the United States?4
Persons of minority races and ethnicities are disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS. In 2003, AfricanAmericans, who make up approximately 12 percent of the United States population, accounted for half of the
HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed.
How long does it take for HIV to cause AIDS?5
Since the introduction of powerful anti-retroviral therapies in 1996, the progression of time between HIV
infection and the development of AIDS has dramatically changed. There are also other medical treatments
that can prevent or cure some of the illnesses associated with AIDS, though the treatments do not cure
AIDS itself.
As with all other diseases, early detection of infection allows for more options for treatment and preventive
health care.
How long after a possible exposure should I wait to get tested for HIV?6
The tests commonly used to detect HIV infection are actually looking for antibodies produced by an
individual’s immune system when they are exposed to HIV. Most people will develop detectable antibodies
within two to eight weeks. In very rare cases, it can take up to six months to develop antibodies to HIV.
Form #: PEW226035-000
How can I tell if I’m infected with HIV?7
The only way to know if you are infected is to be tested for HIV. You cannot rely on symptoms to know
whether or not you are infected with HIV. Many people who are infected may not have any symptoms at all
for many years.
What if I test positive for HIV?8
If you test positive for HIV, the sooner you take steps to protect your health, the better. Early medical
treatment and a healthy lifestyle can help you stay well.
■ See your health care provider, even if you do not feel sick.
■ Have a TB (Tuberculosis) test. You may be infected with TB and not know it. Undetected TB can cause
serious illness, but it can be successfully treated if caught early.
■ Stop smoking cigarettes, drinking too much alcohol, or using any illegal drugs. These can weaken your
immune system.
■
HIV/AIDS Resources
Centers for Disease Control Information call 24 hours a day, at 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636),
1-888-232-6348 (TTY).
■ The Black AIDS Institute (213) 353-3610 or visit www.blackAIDS.org
■ For free and low-cost HIV testing in California, call HIV/AIDS Services at 1-800-367-AIDS or visit
www.AIDShotline.org
■ Statewide HIV/AIDS Church Outreach Advisory Board, visit www.healingbeginshere.org
■ For California HIV/AIDS programs and data visit the Department of Health Services, Office of
AIDS at www.dhs.ca.gov/AIDS
■
PacifiCare is not affiliated with these Web sites.
Content adapted from these sources:
1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, Divisions of HIV/
AIDS Prevention; What is HIV? 12/15/2003
2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, Divisions of HIV/
AIDS Prevention; What is AIDS? 12/15/2003
3 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, Divisions of HIV/
AIDS Prevention; How does HIV cause AIDS? 12/15/2003
4 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; CDC HIV/AIDS Fact Sheet; A Glance at the HIV/AIDS Epidemic; 6/2005
5 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, Divisions of HIV/
AIDS Prevention; How long does it take for HIV to cause AIDS? 12/15/2003
6 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, Divisions of HIV/
AIDS Prevention; How long after possible exposure should I wait to get tested for HIV? 12/15/2003
7 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, Divisions of HIV/
AIDS Prevention; How can I tell if I am infected with HIV? 12/15/2003
8 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention, Divisions of HIV/
AIDS Prevention; What if I test positive for HIV? 12/15/2003
Ibid. p.7, Ibid p.4
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