By Crystal FambriniAssistant City Editor
One in every 500 college students is infected with HIV, said SarahMcArdle, Student Health Services health educator.
McArdle teaches a general studies class, Confronting Aids 340, andsaid she believes education is the number one way to help fight thedestructive disease.
“It’s a problem in the U.S., but what we’re looking at worldwideis such a huge difference,” she said. “People have access to drugshere that make it more of a chronic disease because we havemedications.”
Contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breastmilk is how the disease can be acquired. The American AIDS epidemichit white males the hardest in the 1980s but now statistics show anincrease in AIDS among hispanic and black females.
“Testing is a way for people to be socially responsible,” shesaid. “It’s not saying they’re doing things, it is just to make themaware of whether they have put themselves in contact with infectedfluids.”
Currently there are two ways to detect the HIV antibodies. One wayis through a standard blood test and the other is oral. A plasticswab is inserted into the mouth and stuck between the cheek and gums.
Both confidential tests can be taken at SHS and results take twoweeks. There are five different testing times a week.
“Even if two partners both are affected they should still practicesafe sex,” McArdle said, explaining that once affected with the virusit becomes part of a person’s genetic makeup. There are differentstrains of HIV and the virus can become resistant to drugs tacklingthose strains.
“It doesn’t mean you can’t have sex again. It’s more a matter ofhow they can be responsible. It’s a personal decision.”
McArdle said, there are several things people can do in San Diegoto help with the problem of AIDS, such as runs and walks.
Time, not money
Being Alive, located at 4070 Center St., is a refuge for AIDSpatients and has a drop-in center, video screenings, monthlybarbeques, dinner parties and other events that constantly needvolunteer support.
Volunteer Coordinator Mary Anthony interviews volunteers in orderto work out a personal schedule that is most beneficial.
“People with AIDS-related dementia often don’t have anyone to talkto so they will come in and volunteers can listen to them,” she said.”Dementia is like Alzheimer’s disease where it is not unusual forthem to be rattling off things that don’t make sense. A goodvolunteer can make them feel good about themselves just bylistening.”
The center also organizes a respite program, Anthony said, thathelps AIDS victims with whatever they need — be it walking their dogto washing their dishes.
“It provides a support service,” she said.
Another way to help is the Buddy Program — where volunteers arematched up with AIDS victims. From there, friendships develop.Anthony said the program is a great way for volunteers to bond withclients.
Anthony became involved in helping AIDS victims seven years ago asa college intern working at Fraternity House, a Vista and Encinitashome for people with AIDS.
“I fell in love with the people I was caring for,” she said. “Ifell in love with the care providers. It is so worth it. The bondsare really really wonderful.”
For more information on HIV tests contact SHS at 594-4133. Tovolunteer at Being Alive call 291-1400.
