KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT HIV/AIDS*

Know about HIV/AIDS

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV compromises the body's immune system by attacking cells that are part of the natural line of defense against illness. As time goes by, HIV destroys so many of these cells that the body is no longer able to defend itself against certain cancers, viruses, bacteria or parasites. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS and death.

Understand how HIV is transmitted

HIV is spread through an exchange of specific bodily fluids including blood, pre-cum, semen, and vaginal secretions. A woman infected with HIV can pass HIV to her baby through pregnancy or delivery, and also through breast milk. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), contact with saliva, tears, or sweat has never resulted in HIV transmission. You can't be infected through casual contact, such as hugging or shaking hands. In the U.S., HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact-including vaginal, anal, and oral sex-and through the sharing of needles.

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS *

Reduce your risk and prevent the spread of HIV
  • Use a condom for vaginal or anal sexual intercourse, and use barrier methods, such as a condom or dental dam, for oral sex.
  • Choose not to have sex.
  • Make an agreement with a partner who is not HIV-positive to be sexually faithful to each other, and stick to it. If you and/or your partner have HIV, always use a condom.
  • If you inject drugs, don't share needles.
Know your HIV status · Get tested · Ask partners to do the same
  • Getting an HIV test takes away the anxiety of not knowing.
  • Tests for HIV don't take much time and, at some clinics, they're free or on a sliding scale.
  • All tests are confidential or anonymous.
  • Early diagnosis and treatment will help you stay healthy.



Phill Wilson, who has been living with HIV/AIDS for over 20 years, is the Executive Director of the Black AIDS Institute, ANSA's primary U.S. AIDS partner.
Photographer: Alan Bell