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Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is a virus that
attacks the body's immune system. Over time the virus
weakens a person's defenses against disease, leaving them
vulnerable to many infections and cancers that would not
normally develop. Some people with HIV infection have
no symptoms at all, some have mild health problems, and
others have been diagnosed with AIDS.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the later
stage of HIV infection. AIDS means HIV has seriously damaged
the immune system. Often the person has been diagnosed
with a life-threatening infection or cancer. It can take
10 years or more from the time of initial infection with
HIV to a diagnosis of AIDS. On average, people with AIDS
used to live approximately two to four years after diagnosis.
Now with new treatments, people are living a lot longer.
HIV is transmitted when infected blood, semen, vaginal
fluids, or breast milk enter the body through the mucous
membranes of the anus, vagina, penis (urethra), or mouth,
or through cuts, sores, or abrasions on the skin. Anyone
who is infected can transmit the virus, whether or not
they have any symptoms of AIDS.
HIV is spread most commonly by unprotected sexual intercourse.
Anal and vaginal sex are the riskiest. There are a small
but growing number of reported cases of HIV transmission
through oral sex. With each of these practices, the receptive
partner is at greatest risk. In heterosexual sex, women
are at greater risk than men.
People who share the same needle or syringe can transmit
HIV in the small amounts of blood that remain in the used
needle or syringe. It is also risky to share the "cookers"
or cotton used to prepare drugs for injection. Rinsing
needles and syringes with water and bleach reduces the
risk of transmission.
HIV is spread from an infected mother to her infant.
About 1 in 5 babies born to HIV-infected women are HIV
infected themselves. The virus can be transmitted during
pregnancy, birth or through breast-feeding. However, recent
evidence shows that taking AZT during pregnancy reduces
the risk of vertical transmission by 2/3, suggesting that
all at risk women should consider being tested.
Anyone can become infected with HIV. At highest risk are
men who have sex with other men and people who share needles
used for drug injection. Heterosexual contact accounts
for a growing number of reported AIDS cases especially
among women. On an overall global level HIV is transmitted
primarily through heterosexual contact.
The only way to completely avoid HIV infection is to abstain
from all activity that could result in exposure and contraction
of the virus. The next most certain ways are ones that
reduce the risk but do not eliminate it.
Safer Sex means always assuming that your partner could
be HIV positive, and never allowing his or her risky body
fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk)
to enter your body. Touching, dry kissing, body rubbing,
and mutual masturbation are the safest sexual activities.
Safer penetrative sex means always using a latex barrier
for anal, vaginal, and oral intercourse. This includes
using a condom on a man or barrier protection such as
plastic wrap, a dental dam, or cut condom for oral sex
on a woman and for oral-anal contact.
No. To be completely safe from HIV and other sexually
transmitted diseases you must abstain from sex. But, for
people who are sexually active, condoms are highly effective
if used consistently and correctly. When condoms do fail,
it is most often because of improper use. Following these
basic rules will further reduce the small chance of condom
failure:
Use latex (rubber) condoms. These
are preferable to "natural skin" condoms, which
may have tiny holes that can allow the virus to pass through.
Also currently available are polyurethane condoms for
those who have allergic reactions to latex.
Choose a condom that fits. Condoms
come in different sizes, shapes, and styles. Experiment
with different condoms and practice putting them on before
intercourse.
Open and handle condoms carefully.
Never use a condom in a damaged package or one that is
past its expiration date. Do not store condoms in hot
or sunny places.
Use plenty of water-based lubricant
to reduce the friction that can cause breakage. Never
use an oil-based lubricant with a latex condom. Oil-based
lubricants like Vaseline, hand cream, and mineral oil
rapidly break down latex and can allow the virus to pass
through. Water-based lubricants include K-Y Jelly, Slippery
Stuff, ForPlay, and most contraceptive jellies. Lubricants
containing the spermicide nonoxynol-9 may add extra protection
against pregnancy in the event of breakage, but some people
are sensitive to this ingredient and can develop rashes
or sores, which could result in a higher risk for contraction
or transmission of HIV.
Put the condom on after erection
but before insertion. Leave some room at the tip for the
discharged semen (some condoms have a reservoir tip for
this). It is important to pinch the tip as you unroll
to be sure there is no air bubble that could pop under
pressure. If the penis is uncircumcised, pull back the
foreskin before unrolling the condom all the way down
to the base of the penis.
After intercourse, withdraw the penis
while still erect, holding the base of the condom to prevent
its slipping off or spilling semen. Remove the condom
and wash the penis. Urinating after intercourse as well
as washing the vaginal area is recommended for women.
Use a condom only once and dispose
of it in the garbage, not in the toilet. Never reuse a
condom.
Use a new condom EVERY TIME.
For more information about HIV/AIDS and other Sexually
Transmitted Infections please call free to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HIV Hotlines:
1-800-342-2437 (English)
1-800-344-7432 (Spanish) 8am-2am EST
For Counseling and Testing, call for an appointment:
"Es Mejor Saber" [It's better to know]
call 212-675-3288 or 212-584-9303 or
email: ncarrasquillo@latinoaids.org
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