10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HIV / AIDS
10 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HIV / AIDS
1. The AIDS pandemic has already resulted in the deaths of approximately 11.7 million people worldwide and will ultimately cause the deaths of the estimated 30.6 million men, women and children around the globe still living with the disease. Roughly 6 million people were newly infected with HIV in 1997 - nearly 16,000 people each day.
2. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) results from the late stage of infection with HIV (human inmmunodeficiency virus).l In adults, the onset of AIDS can take up to 10 or more years, tand new drug therapies can delay the progression of the disease into AIDS even longer. thus, a person infected with HIV may look and feel healthy for many yeas, but he or she can still transmit the virus to someone else, which is why it is very important for indivduals to get tested.
3. HIV is transmitted through the exchange of any HIV-infected body fluids. Transfer may occur during all stages of the disease. The HIV virus is found in the following fluids:
| blood |
| semen (and pre-ejaculate fluid) |
| vaginal secretions |
| breast milk |
4.HIV most frequently is transmitted sexually. The only way you can be completely sure to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV is by abstaining from all sexual contact.
You can significantly reduce your ris of contracting HIV by:
a. Correctly using a latex condom from start to finish, every time you have vaginal or anal intercourse and with each of act oral sex on a man.
5.It is important to note that: 6. Anonymous HIV testing is the only form of HIV testing that is not name based. If you receive a test from an anonymous testing center, no one but you will know the results of your test. Currently, 40 states plus the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico offer anonymous testing. 7. You DO NOTget HIV from: donating blood. 8.Young adults (under age of 25) are quickly becoming the most at-risk age group, now accounting for an estimated 50% of all new HIV infections in the United States. Teenagers and young people here and around the world need to take an active role in changing the course of the HIV/AIDS pandemic by adjusting their behaviors and attitudes toward the disease. 9. Discriminating against people who are infected with HIV/AIDS or anyone thought to be at risk of infection violates individual human rights and endagers public health. Every person infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS deserves compassion and support, regardless of circumstances surrounding their infection. Education si crucial in getting this message out. 10. You can help stop the spread of HIV! Get involved in community efforts. World AIDS Day is a special oppurtunity every year to focus attention on this urgent challenge that affects us all. It is marked around the world by thousands of different events designed to increase awareness and to express solidarity and compassion. This World AIDS Day - and every day - join the worldwide effort to stop the spread of HIV.
a. All blood , oragans, and tissue used during transfusions or surgeries have been tested for HIV. All contaminated products are immediately and carefully disposed of by medical professionals.
b. all medical and surgical instruments, including those used for tattooing and body piercing, must be completely sterilzed or discarded properly after each use in order to prevent HIV transmission.
For information on HIV/AIDS in the workplace or referrals to organizations that handle the proper disposal of medical insturmnets call the CDC National AIDS Hotline at 1-800-342-AIDS.
mosquito bites or bites from other bugs.
sneezes or coughs.
touching, hugging, or dry kissing a person with HIV.
the urine or sweat of an infected person.
public restrooms, saunas, showers, or pools.
sharing towels or clothing.
sharing eating utensils or drinks.
being friends with a person who has HIV/AIDS.
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