incidence rates

[concerned_to]

teak/mikey - I was wondering what your thoughts are on incidence rates of infection. Now I know the virus does not discriminate and anyone can get it but was wondering what the prevalence of it is in the various groups. I guess you can categorize by MSM, IDU, hetero, endemic (any others?) - this is not to say that the infection cant cross into other categories. Say if you live in Chicago - roughly 2.7 million people in the City area (not including the burbs as it gets difficult to slice boundaries). The docs (HHH and hook) frequently mention that the virus is very rare in the general population - but how rare is it? If I were walking in a train station downtown chicago you see people all over the place, business men and women, students, etc....  I sometimes have the thought how many are of those you see are infected. I know its all guesstimates but any general educated breakdown would be interesting.

[bemyown234]

Similar rates apply in UK also

[regularjoey]

You might be able to get some statistics from your public health department.  It's different from region to region and even neighborhood to neighborhood.  In New York City there are neighborhoods with very high HIV prevalence (around 20%).  Overall prevalence in NYC is 1% or so.  US general population (heterosexual, not drug users) has a prevalence of 0.1%.

[HJK58]

I'm wondering why you are so worred about percentages.  

Why not simply follow the doctors' advice (repeated thoughtout their forum) about safe sex practices and how to protect yourself.  

If you feel that it is needed, get tested regularly as per the doctors' recommendations.