The 50 years and over represent a large proportion of HIV-positive people in Burgundy-Franche-Comté. The virus circulates little in the region according to Public Health France, there are a little more than 2,300 patientsbut the risk of contamination remains very present.
Fifty-somethings “forget” that they can contract AIDS
Since 2016, the number of 50-year-olds who discover their HIV status is only increasing. Francine Borcard of Solidarité Sida 39 has an explanation.
“At this age, many people divorce or separate from their partner. They then rediscover a sexual life and do not necessarily pay attention. They use far fewer condoms than young people, for example. In fact, they tell themselves that they are not affected by sexually transmitted infections, that they cannot catch AIDS at their age.“
The prevention missions, which have been put on hold for the past two years because of the health crisis, therefore focus on older people now, in addition to minors.
“We try to go to places of sexual encounters such as bars to do live prevention and discuss with them. Screenings are often offered afterwards“says Francine Borcard.
The importance of screening
In addition to protecting yourself during sex, it is important to get tested regularly to reduce contamination.
There are many ways to get tested, including self-tests available in pharmacies.
“You can either go to an anonymous screening center or make an appointment in the laboratory. For now, you need a prescription from your doctor, gynecologist or midwife to take the necessary blood tests and smears. But work is underway to go directly to the lab without a prescription to do so.” explains Francine Borcard.
It is recommended to be screen every three months when we have multiple partnersAnd this, whatever his age.
Ideal for stopping the condom with his or her fixed partner is to go and get tested both first and then get tested once a year for security purposes.
Between 2019 and 2020, the number of screenings fell by 14% in France because of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Santé Publique France.