HIV and AIDS

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HIV and AIDS
The American Red Cross

A ids is one of the leading causes of death of Americans ages 25 to 44. Many people currently living with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS did not believe that they were at risk. But HIV is serious, and it will be with us for a long time. However, you can prevent HIV infection. This brochure gives you important information about HIV and AIDS that will help you learn to protect yourselves and others.

FACT: AIDS is caused by a virus called HIV.

      HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is the virus that causes AIDS--Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. HIV is spread from one person to another through sex and blood to blood related contact. When someone becomes infected with HIV, the virus attacks that person's immune system (the system that defends the body from illness). A person develops AIDS when his or her immune system becomes so damaged that it can no longer fight off diseases and infections. These diseases and infections can be fatal.

       FACT: When signs of illness do appear, they vary from person to person.

      When symptoms do appear, they can be like those of many common illnesses and may include swollen glands, fever, and diarrhea. In some women, recurrent, hard to treat vaginal yeast infections and cervical cancer may be related to HIV infection. Symptoms vary from person to person. None of the symptoms indicates an HIV infection. when people develop AIDS, they may get illnesses that healthy people can usually resist. Only a test can tell if someone is infected with HIV. Only a doctor can diagnose AIDS.
Anyone can get HIV.
HIV can be spread through an infected person's blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk.

FACT: People infected with HIV may look and feel healthy for a long time.

      It may take more than 10 years for people who are infected with HIV to develop AIDS. They may look and feel healthy for years after becoming infected. They may not know that they are infected. Even if they don't look or feel sick they can infect others.

       You cannot get HIV from giving blood.

FACT: Most people with HIV or AIDS got the virus by having sex or sharing needles with someone who was already infected.

      The most common ways in which HIV is spread are --
Having vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has HIV.
Sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV.

From a woman with HIV to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth through breast feeding. HIV can be spread through an infected person's blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk.

FACT: You cannot "catch" HIV like you do a cold or flu.

      HIV is not spread through the air or water. HIV is not spread through everyday contact.
You cannot get HIV from --
Handshakes.
Hugs.
Coughs or sneezes.
Sweat or tears.
Mosquitos or other insects.
Pets.
Eating food prepared by someone else.
Being around an infected person.
Or from using --
Swimming pools.
Toilet seats.
Phones or computers.
Straws, spoons, or cups.
Drinking fountains.

FACT: You can protect yourself and others from HIV.

      Not having sex is the only sure way to avoid the sexual transmission of HIV. However, if you decide to have sex, you can reduce your risk of infection in several ways --
Have sex with only one partner who is not infected, who has sex only with you, and who does not share needles or syringes. (Keep in mind that it is difficult to know these things about another person).
Avoid contact with your partner's blood, semen or vaginal fluid.
When having sex, using a latex condom the right way greatly reduces your risk of HIV infection. Click here for instructions for condom use.
For vaginal or anal sex, use a water-based lubricant with the condom to reduce the risk of breakage.
For oral sex on a man, use a condom without spermicide or lubricants.

FACT: It is impossible for a donor to get HIV from giving blood or plasma.

      In the United States, every piece of equipment (needles, tubing, containers) used to draw blood is brand new. It is used only once, then destroyed. You cannot get HIV from giving blood.       The most effective way to prevent HIV infection through drug use is to stop injecting drugs. People who inject drugs can prevent HIV infection by --

Using new, sterile equipment every time.

Never sharing needles or syringes.
      When more effective prevention is not possible, drug equipment may be cleaned with bleach to reduce the risk of HIV infection. Contact your local drug treatment center, health department, AIDS service organization for more information on how to clean drug equipment.

FACT: The chances of getting HIV from a blood transfusion in the United states are now extremely low.

      Since 1985, all donated blood and plasma have been tested for signs of HIV. The tests used are more than 99 percent accurate. People who are at risk of being infected with certain germs, including HIV, are not allowed to give blood. If signs of the virus are found in donated blood, the blood is destroyed. Before 1985, some people became infected with HIV through infected blood and certain blood products used for transfusion and for treating such diseases as hemophilia.
FACT: There are tests for HIV.

      If you think that you may be infected with HIV, you are encouraged to seek HIV-antibody testing and counseling. Standard tests look for the presense of HIV antibodies, which are signs of the virus. The body almost always develops antibodies to fight off viruses that enter the blood stream.

      Current tests are more than 99 percent accurate. However, it can take up to three months after a person becomes infected before antibodies can be detected by a test. For this reason, if someone was infected recently, the test may not yet show that the person is infected. Contact your local public health department, AIDS service organization, local Red Cross, or doctor's office for more information about HIV antibody testing and counseling.

You can protect yourself and others from HIV.
               You can't get HIV or AIDS from being a friend.

FACT: There is no vaccine for HIV or a cure for AIDS.

      Some medicines are now available to help people live longer, healthier lives. None of these medicines can keep a person from becoming infected with HIV. None of the treatments can cause AIDS. But people can prevent HIV infection by learning the facts and acting on them.
FACT: You can help fight the battle against HIV and AIDS by being a volunteer.

      Volunteers are always needed. They can answer AIDS hotlines and help teach others about HIV and AIDS. They can help people living with HIV and AIDS by shopping for them or bringing meals to their homes. They can help raise funds to fight this epidemic. Call your local Red Cross or AIDS service organization to learn how you can help.
How to use a condom ("rubber"):

Use condoms made of latex.*
Store condoms in a cool dry place, away from heat and sun.
Use a new condom each time you have sex.** Check the expiration date on the condom. Do not use expired condoms or condoms that are yellowed, sticky, or brittle.
Handle the condom carefully to avoid damaging it with fingernails, teeth, or other sharp objects.
Put on the condom when the penis is erect and before any vaginal, oral or anal contact.
Pinch the tip of the condom so that air will not be trapped, and unroll the condom all the way down the erect penis. If the condom does not have a receptacle end, leave space at the tip for semen ("cum").
Use a water-based lubricant on the outside of the condom so that it will be less likely to break. Do not use oil-based lubricants (such as petroleum jelly, shortening, mineral oil, massage oil, body lotion). Oil-based lubricants can cause a condom to break.
Hold the condom at the base of the penis and withdraw while the penis is still erect to prevent spillage. Remove the condom, being careful not to spill the contents. Throw the condom away. do not use a condom more than once.
* Polyurethane (plastic) condoms are used by some people, including those who are allergic or sensitive to latex condoms. At the time of this writing, however, they were not yet thoroughly tested for HIV and sexually transmitted disease prevention.

** Latex condoms used the right way every time a person has sex greatly reduces the risk of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. Not having sex is the most effective way to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV.

FACT: People with HIV and AIDS need your love and understanding.

      You can't get HIV or AIDS from being with a friend. People who are living with HIV or AIDS need your support and caring. Ask them how you can help.

FACT: What can I do to help?

      Know the facts about HIV and AIDS.

      Use what you have learned to protect yourself and others. Share the facts about HIV and AIDS with your family, friends, and co-workers.

      Set an example for others.

      Show support and caring for people who are living with HIV and AIDS. Remember, you can't get HIV from a friend.

      Become a volunteer.

      Sponsor an AIDS fund-raising event or donate money.

      Become a Red Cross HIV/AIDS Instructor.

For more information, contact --
Your local Red Cross.
The National AIDS Information Hotline toll free at 1-800342-2437. For Spanish speaking persons, Linea Nacional de SIDA: 1-800-243-7889.
Your doctor or other health care provider.
Your local or state public health department.
Your local AIDS service organization.
The American Red Cross Internet Web Site at http://www.redcross.org/hss.

Red Cross HIV/AIDS programs

      The Red Cross has Basic, African American, Hispanic, and Workplace HIV/AIDS Education programs. Youth materials, including Act SMART and The Party, are also available. Contact your local Red Cross for more information.
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       This publication was originally supported by Cooperative Agreement No. U62/CCU 303031 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States Public Health Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the American Red Cross and do not necessarily represent the official views of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

       Published electronically by Joseph L. De Benedittis, Insurance Producer. This article may be freely reproduced and distributed. A link to http://healthusa4you.hypermart.net will help to support this site. Click here to email the webmaster.

ISBN 0-86536-088-X

Stock No. 329560

Revised March 1998

visitors have seen this site since August 8, 2003.

You can protect yourself and others from HIV.		You can't get HIV or AIDS from being a friend.
FACT: There is no vaccine for HIV or a cure for AIDS. Some medicines are now available to help people live longer, healthier lives. None of these medicines can keep a person from becoming infected with HIV. None of the treatments can cause AIDS. But people can prevent HIV infection by learning the facts and acting on them.		FACT: You can help fight the battle against HIV and AIDS by being a volunteer. Volunteers are always needed. They can answer AIDS hotlines and help teach others about HIV and AIDS. They can help people living with HIV and AIDS by shopping for them or bringing meals to their homes. They can help raise funds to fight this epidemic. Call your local Red Cross or AIDS service organization to learn how you can help.
How to use a condom ("rubber"): Use condoms made of latex.* Store condoms in a cool dry place, away from heat and sun. Use a new condom each time you have sex.** Check the expiration date on the condom. Do not use expired condoms or condoms that are yellowed, sticky, or brittle. Handle the condom carefully to avoid damaging it with fingernails, teeth, or other sharp objects. Put on the condom when the penis is erect and before any vaginal, oral or anal contact. Pinch the tip of the condom so that air will not be trapped, and unroll the condom all the way down the erect penis. If the condom does not have a receptacle end, leave space at the tip for semen ("cum"). Use a water-based lubricant on the outside of the condom so that it will be less likely to break. Do not use oil-based lubricants (such as petroleum jelly, shortening, mineral oil, massage oil, body lotion). Oil-based lubricants can cause a condom to break. Hold the condom at the base of the penis and withdraw while the penis is still erect to prevent spillage. Remove the condom, being careful not to spill the contents. Throw the condom away. do not use a condom more than once. * Polyurethane (plastic) condoms are used by some people, including those who are allergic or sensitive to latex condoms. At the time of this writing, however, they were not yet thoroughly tested for HIV and sexually transmitted disease prevention. ** Latex condoms used the right way every time a person has sex greatly reduces the risk of HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. Not having sex is the most effective way to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV.		FACT: People with HIV and AIDS need your love and understanding. You can't get HIV or AIDS from being with a friend. People who are living with HIV or AIDS need your support and caring. Ask them how you can help. FACT: What can I do to help? Know the facts about HIV and AIDS. Use what you have learned to protect yourself and others. Share the facts about HIV and AIDS with your family, friends, and co-workers. Set an example for others. Show support and caring for people who are living with HIV and AIDS. Remember, you can't get HIV from a friend. Become a volunteer. Sponsor an AIDS fund-raising event or donate money. Become a Red Cross HIV/AIDS Instructor. For more information, contact -- Your local Red Cross. The National AIDS Information Hotline toll free at 1-800342-2437. For Spanish speaking persons, Linea Nacional de SIDA: 1-800-243-7889. Your doctor or other health care provider. Your local or state public health department. Your local AIDS service organization. The American Red Cross Internet Web Site at http://www.redcross.org/hss. Red Cross HIV/AIDS programs The Red Cross has Basic, African American, Hispanic, and Workplace HIV/AIDS Education programs. Youth materials, including Act SMART and The Party, are also available. Contact your local Red Cross for more information.