College and University Blog
College Students and HIV/AIDS
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American College Health Association estimate that 1 in 500 college students are infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). HIV infection usually develops into Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Being HIV positive is not the same as having full-blown AIDS. Many people are HIV-positive but may not get sick for years. As HIV progresses to full-blown AIDS, the immune system gets weaker. This allows viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria (that normally don’t cause any problems) to cause opportunistic infections, making the HIV positive person very ill. Research has shown that HIV infection progressed to AIDS more slowly among young people than among all persons with a diagnosis of HIV infection.
Factors such as peer pressure, lack of maturity, and alcohol and drug use put college students at risk for HIV infection. College students may have unprotected sex with multiple partners or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This may be something they wouldn