HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, is not as scary as it once was. Testing positive for HIV used to mean a progression into AIDS, and an early death. Treatments for people with HIV have improved vastly.
And the numbers of cases have generally trended downward. But parts of the region, including Coos County, have noticed an uptick in HIV reports.
The Oregon Health Authority keeps an eye on numbers, causes, and treatments. The HIV Alliance in Eugene provides case management for HIV patients in 13 counties, including Coos.OHA's Dr. Sean Schafer, medical director of the HIV program, gives us an update, with Amanda McCluskey, Program Director at the HIV Alliance. Both organizations are part of the End HIV campaign.