A Brief History of HIV/AIDS
1981 - HIV is first discovered as “something new” in the blood supply. Research estimates about 100,000 to 300,000 people were infected with HIV- mostly seen in MSM (men who have sex with men).
1984 - The HIV epidemic officially begins. It is discovered that anyone can get HIV, not just MSM. Because HIV is still relatively new in the medical field at this point, people who had HIV were dealing with the devastating reality that they’d only have a few years live.
1987 - The first HIV medication, Antiretroviral Therapy drugs (known as ATZ) becomes available. This is life changing for those living with HIV, and is the first step in increasing the quality of life for those living with HIV.
1995 - AIDS was determined to be the leading cause of death for adults 25-44 years old. Almost half of these deaths were found be in the African American population.
1996 - Advances in HIV treatment are made, making HIV a chronic, manageable disease and no longer a death sentence.
2000 - Thanks to ongoing research and improved medications, the number of HIV-related deaths are more than cut in half between 1996 and 2000.
2005 - PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) becomes available.
PEP is a pill that can be taken up to 72 hours after a possible exposure to HIV in order to prevent someone from getting HIV. PEP is available in the ER.
2012- PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) becomes available.
PrEP is a daily pill that someone can take to prevent them from getting HIV. This can be prescribed by someone’s health care provider.
2019 - Thanks to PrEP, PEP, safe sex education, and advances in medication and treatment, the number of people dying from HIV-related illnesses continues to decline, as does the stigma surrounding HIV and those who have it.