By: Jenna Beresheim News Editor
The first documented case of drug-resistant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) occurred in February of this year. Despite daily adherence to Truvada, a preventative drug against the contraction of HIV, a gay man has tested positive for HIV. The strain of HIV was reported as one that was multidrug resistant, which explained how it was contracted regardless of the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis. This drug allowed people who are at very high risk of getting HIV to prevent infection by taking a pill every day. This included exposure to HIV through either sex or the use of injected drugs. The failure of this drug had not yet been reported in any other individuals, which made this case an exceedingly rare one. According to POZ.com, none of the 1,400+ high-risk individuals taking pre-exposure prophylaxis through the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis program have contracted HIV to date, despite their very high rate of other sexually transmitted diseases. “[Pre-exposure prophylaxis] has done very well so far with helping reduce the spread of HIV, and I think that what it’s done well also needs to be recognized,” said John Goldsmith, senior English major and Triangle Alliance President for Western. On campus, Triangle Alliance partners with the Stonewall Center for World AIDS day on Dec. 1 to help raise awareness. Both of these organizations have also partnered with the Peer Mentor program for sex education programs. In future years, there may be more events hosted by Triangle Alliance that focus on this topic. For Spring Term, Triangle Alliance meetings will occur in Ackerman 141 at 5 p.m. With any sexually transmitted disease, chances of being infected are severely reduced when precautions are taken. It is recommended that one get tested frequently and with every new partner, and to know your partner’s HIV status. Use condoms, avoid injecting drugs, and limit the number of sexual partners, if possible. And use other preventative measures, such as pre-exposure prophylaxis or sterilized injection tools, as needed. “I think that this issue is not isolated to the LGBT*Q+ community, as anyone has the potential to contract HIV,” Goldsmith said. “All people who are sexually active need to take their sexual health more seriously.” “My heart goes out to the person afflicted, and I hope they will receive all of the treatment they need,” said Goldsmith. It can take three to 12 weeks for an HIV- positive individual’s body to produce enough antibodies for a test to produce correct results. Many individuals do not show signs or symptoms of HIV until much later, although some may experience flu-like symptoms within two to four weeks after infection. HIV testing most commonly takes place in three forms: as a blood test, urine test, or as an oral swab. Testing is also highly confidential and is often paired with a consultation regarding HIV itself. The Student Health and Counseling Center offers HIV testing for roughly $17. The result turnaround for an HIV test averages two days. To schedule an appointment for testing, please contact the Student Health and Counseling Center at 503-838-8313. Contact the author at jberesheim11@wou.edu or on Twitter @woujournalnews
