The following information is from The American Red Cross Basic HIV/AIDS Instructor's Manual: Fundamentals.
- AIDS in an acronym and stands for: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.
- AIDS is the result of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV infection), which makes the immune system less able to fight infection.
- HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, a virus that weakens several body systems and destroys the body's immune system, making it easier for life-threatening cancers or opportunistic infections to invade the body.
- HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS is the result of HIV infection.
- HIV infection CAN be prevented
- HIV is not spread through everyday casual contact.
- People cannot get HIV when they give blood.
- You can't tell by looking or by asking questions whether or not someone has HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. Many people who have HIV do not know they are infected. There are many ways in which people can protect themselves and others from HIV.
- The most effective ways to prevent HIV Infection:
- Not having sex whether vaginal, anal, or oral
- Sex only between two mutually monogamous, uninfected partners who do not share needles or syringes with anyone.
- Not injecting non-prescribed drugs (get into treatment or never start)
- Not sharing needles or syringes for any reason (when injected illegal drugs, medications, vitamins, or steroid; tattooing; or body piercing)
- Not engaging in activities that involve exchange of blood, semen, vaginal fluids, or breast milk.
Ways to reduce the risk of HIV Infection:
- Using a latex condom the right way every time during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
- Not using drugs or alcohol, which can impair judgment.
- Cleaning needles and syringes with chlorine bleach and water if more effective prevention is not available.
- Using barrier protection (e.g. latex gloves) when coming into contact with blood.
Everyone needs to know the facts about HIV and AIDS and apply the facts to their own behavior. The facts support the following points:
People who have engaged in risk behaviors and who do not know their HIV status are encouraged to seek individual counseling and testing.
People who know they have HIV need to ensure that their sex and needle-sharing partners know that they are at risk for HIV infection. Telling others is not easy; health departments and other health care providers (including ACCESS) have people trained to notify partners at risk without revealing names.
People who know they have HIV can then seek medical care as soon as possible.
People who have tested negative need to take steps to remain negative.
All people share the responsibility to protect themselves and others from HIV infection.
