Today is World AIDS Day. The day was started in 1988 in response to the outbreak of AIDS and HIV that had spread throughout the world.

Since the virus was originated in the 1970s, no cure has been found to the virus that has killed an estimated 25 million people and infected 40 million more.

There have, however, been advances in medicine that helps to prolong the lives of those infected.

What we have come a long way in is understanding the disease and how its contracted. We now know that it is not an airborne illness.

Many of the stereotypes attached to the disease have been dispelled. When the disease was first discovered, many had thought it only affected homosexual men.

We know now that anyone who has sexual intercourse with an infected person or uses needles that have been used by an infected person can contract HIV.

AIDS and HIV are not diseases many of us in Mower County think about on a daily basis. Mower County Public Health records show only one person infected with the virus living in the county. Although that number is probably higher, it's likely the number infected is small.

It's also likely that people still associate certain stereotypes to AIDS and HIV.

The best way to understand the virus is through education. Public Health, the Red Cross and the Austin Medical Center have information about AIDS and HIV. Numerous Web sites contain useful facts about the disease.

Education will help residents learn more about what those infected are going through and may help prevent the spread of the deadly virus.