What is HIV?Scientists believe that AIDS and other infections associated with it are caused by a virus known as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). HIV is a fragile virus that cannot survive outside of the body. This is why you cant be infected from toilet seats, for example, or from sharing dishes or eating utensils. But once HIV takes hold in the body, it can "hide" for months or years, doing serious damage to the immune system. This is why people who appear perfectly healthy may, without knowing it, be able to transmit the virus to others. Scientists still don't know what percentage of people infected with the virus will develop the disease we know as AIDS. But it is clear that with proper medical treatment, people can protect themselves from deadly AIDS-related infections. Many people infected with HIV live with the virus for many years. Perhaps someday HIV illness will be like diabetes, a manageable chronic illness.
How is HIV transmitted?HIV can be transmitted through certain body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. There is no evidence that the virus is transmitted through saliva, tears or sweat. HIV enters the body through mucous membranes (the lining of the rectum, the walls of the vagina, or the inside of the mouth and throat) or through direct contact with the bloodstream. The virus cannot enter through the skin, unless the skin is broken or cut and another persons infected body fluids enter the blood stream. The virus cannot be transmitted through the air by sneezing or coughing. This is why there is absolutely no danger in casual contact with people with HIV.
Who can be infected with HIV?Anyone. A virus doesn't recognize risk groups. HIV has affected gay men, lesbians, heterosexuals and bisexuals. It is found in all races, nationalities and age groups. In the U.S., gay men were among the first people to be infected in the U.S. In Africa, for example, HIV illness overwhelmingly affects heterosexuals. The tragic rise in AIDS cases, though, has taught us a crucial lesson. Education and safer sex precautions do work. They are our best weapons against the virus.
Safer sex and how to use a condomSince we know that the virus is transmitted by body fluids entering another body, the best way to prevent infection is to block that entrance. Latex condoms (rubbers) have been proven to be the most effective prevention against HIV infection. Lambskin and other "natural membrane" condoms are not as good as latex. They may allow HIV to pass through. The use of spermicidal (sperm-killing) lubricants, especially those with nonoxynol-9, may increase your protection. But they should always be used with a condom and never instead of a condom. Condoms still provide the greatest protection, and relieve you of the worry about the risk involved. Both men and women should learn how to use condoms properly. Make them an integral part of sex and not an embarrassing, fumbling intermission. Performing oral sex, though far less risky than anal or vaginal sex, can also transmit HIV.
In oral sex with women, dental dams may be used. A dental dam is a six-inch square piece of thin latex that's available in dental and medical supply stores. You can make a home-made dam by cutting a rolled condom to the center and opening it up, or by using plastic wrap. (However, neither has been tested for protection against HIV.) The dam should cover the entire vulva and should be held at both edges. Be careful not to turn the dam inside-out during oral sex, since this will totally defeat the purpose. Dental dams can also be used for oral-anal sex by both men and women, to help prevent other sexually trasmitted diseases. Remember: Never re-use condoms or dental dams!
How HIV-infection happensYou have heard that people in "high-risk groups" can get HIV. But it's not who you are, it's what you do. High-risk behavior will leave you open to HIV infection, no matter who you are.
IV drug users should never share needles, works or cookers. Many places in the U.S. now have needle exchange programs, which offer clean needles to protect drug users from HIV. If you have to share injection paraphernalia, clean them. Donating blood in the U.S. is absolutely safe! Needles used to take blood are sterile and individually packaged. They are also destroyed after use. Although there have been cases of infection in the past, it is now nearly impossible to become infected with HIV by receiving blood via a transfusion. Screening procedures to detect infected blood have been in place for several years. Receiving transfusions, too, puts you at virtually no risk for HIV at the present time. The only other way to get HIV is to be born with the virus. It can be transmitted before or at birth from the infected mother to her child, or through breastfeeding. You cannot be infected with HIV through casual contact such as touching, using public facilities like toilets and phones, or sharing eating utensils and food. Living with HIV- infected people poses no risk unless you have unprotected sex with them or share needles. Keeping your body in top shape can help keep your immune system strong. Diet, how much rest you get ans stress can all affect your health when you have HIV. If you don't already have a doctor who is familiar with your medical history, get one. Talk to him or her if you have questions about your health. Call the GMHC Hotline at (212) 807- 6655/TTY (212) 645-7470 for referrals to doctors with experience in treating HIV, or for information about how to obtain health care if you are HIV positive. You can help yourself and those you love by learning as much as you can about HIV and AIDS. People with HIV illness are not people waiting to die, but people living with their disease and continuing to make contributions to society. They are not "victims." They are simply people with HIV illness. There are no unusual precautions to be taken when around an HIV-infected person since casual contact does not spread the virus.
One of the most important things you can do for a person with HIV illness is to
be a friend. Treat him or her exactly as you would want to be treated
under the same circumstances. Spread education, not fear. Talk
about HIV and AIDS with your friends, loved ones and coworkers.
Make sure that they know the facts. Work to fight discrimination
against people with HIV illness either publicly or privately. Volunteer at
a local AIDS organization or make a contribution. We all have a part to play in stopping the
spread of HIV. No one else can do it, and the time to start is now.
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