In Europe, infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) among “seniors” aged 50 and over has increased on average by 2.1% each year since 2004. France is no exception to the phenomenon and last year, nearly 1,200 seniors discovered their HIV status, i.e. 20% of all discoveries according to Public health France. The highest discovery rate is observed among 50-59 year olds and is higher at men’s than in women. Half of them (51%) having been infected during heterosexual intercourse and the other half (47%) through sex between men.
The annual number of HIV positive findings among seniors increased from 1041 in 2008 to 1268 in 2014, a 22% increase, then stabilized. The increase mainly concerned those aged 50-59 and 60-69, while the number remained stable among those aged 70 and over.
At the same time, among 25-49 year olds, the number of discoveries has steadily declined, from 4,720 to 4,079, a decrease of 14%.
A late discovery
According to Public Health France, the elderly are proportionally more likely to have discovered their HIV status at an advanced stage of infection compared to 25-49 year olds (20% versus 10%).
“This insufficient level of screening among seniors can be explained by a lower perception of the risk of HIV infection, both by the people themselves but also by health professionals, while exposure to the infection persists beyond 50 years. It is therefore important that preventive actions include this population “ say the researchers.
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