Central New Yorkers over 50 are grappling with the impact of aging with HIV medications. The New York State Department of Health held a conference Friday in Syracuse to address some common concerns with HIV and aging.
Cornell Professor of medicine Doctor Eugenia Siegler says it’s crucial to take HIV medication and be aware of taking over-the-counter drugs with it.
“All of these have the potential for interacting with each other and managing what is known as polypharmacy, is something that's crucial for the health of people with HIV.” said Siegler
Siegler urges people with the virus to not stop taking their anti-retro virus medication. John Wikiera is the chair of the CNY HIV care network and has been living with the virus for 27 years. He says he must be cautious about what medications he takes with his HIV drug.
“I know there are some I have to be very careful of or it could actually work against my HIV medication. If my viral load became detectable it’s possible to pass it on to somebody else.” said Wikiera.
Other conference attendees say many over 50 are concerned with being tested and finding out they have HIV. But Wikiera says that new knowledge has helped improve the futures of those with the virus.
“Sadly years ago it was looked at as a death sentence but now with all the medications we have, and the knowledge we have people can live a healthy quality of life for a long time after diagnosis.” said Wikiera.
Wikiera says that for more information about getting tested for HIV, visit local providers such as HIV care, ACR health, or the New York State Department of Health website.
This story has been updated with copy corrections.