June is the 20th anniversary of the discovery of the AIDS virus.

In the last 20 years, we have come a long way. We have discovered HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, we know how the virus is spread, we know how to prolong the life of its victims.

But most importantly, we know anyone can get HIV/AIDS.

When the virus was first discovered it was thought to be a “gay man’s disease.”

But HIV is a disease of all people. While gay men are the most likely to come in contact with the virus, 33 percent of new HIV cases are a result of heterosexual contact.

It is clearly not just a “gay man’s disease.”

It’s important to realize HIV/AIDS can be spread to all people. The disease does not discriminate.

That’s why it’s vital to take advantage of ways to reduce your chances of getting HIV.

While abstinence and being drug free are the best ways to be sure you don’t come in contact with the disease, condom use significantly decreases the chance of HIV being spread through sexual intercourse. Avoiding the sharing of needles when using drugs can do the same.

Because the virus does not choose only one type of person to infect, it is vital all people who are sexually promiscuous or using intravenously injected drugs get tested.

It is simple to do, and it costs nothing.

We now have take-home tests so a person can test for the virus in the privacy of their own home and the Student Health Center provides free confidential testing.

If you are willing to take the risks involved with drug use and sexual promiscuity, you should do the responsible thing and get tested for the virus.

There is no excuse not to get checked; it could save lives.

editorialboard: Michelle Kann, Tim Paluch, Jocelyn Marcus, Zach Calef, Ruth Hitchcock, Cavan Reagan.