In an exciting finding, it has been reported that there is now a drug available for gay men with a high risk of AIDS to take as a preventative measure. This drug, taken once daily greatly reduces the risk of infection to men having sex with other men.
There were around 44 per cent fewer cases of HIV/AIDS in gay men who took the drug, Truvada, than in those gay men who did not. The percentage was even as high as 70 per cent in those taking it consistently, day in and day out.
Experts warn that while having a preventative drug is a very good outcome for this risk group, it should not be a first method of defence. They say, by all means take the drug, but also continue safe sex practices like limiting their number of partners, using condoms, and be treated and tested for sexually transmitted diseases that can add increased risk to the chance of getting HIV/AIDS.
While having such a drug is a long sought goal of many doctors and researchers, the data so far shows it working only in this specific group; that is men having sex with men. It is unknown how and if the drug will work in regard to other groups, like women living in the parts of Africa where the men refuse condom use.
It is also unknown what the effects of taking the new medicine might have on drug users, who generally develop the disease through the use of infected needles. Studies are hoped to begin immediately with these and other groups at risk, even as the good news for gay men continues.
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