HIV: The Basics

Are You at Risk?

have you ever had unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex?
Have you ever reused or shared needles or syringes used by someone else?
Have you ever had sex with someone you think might be infected?
Did you have a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985?
Have you ever had a sexually transmitted disease?
Have you ever had sex with someone who might answer yes to any of the above questions?
If you answered “YES” to even one question, you need to get tested.

Did you know ...

There is no risk to a family member or friend who has casual contact with and HIV+ person.
HIV is not an airborne disease and cannot be transmitted if someone with HIV coughs or sneezes directly in your face or onto your food.
Eight of the ten US states with the highest rates of new HIV infections were located in the South, and the South accounted for nearly half (46%) of new AIDS diagnoses. *
HIV prevalence data indicate that 43% of people living with HIV in the US reside in the Southern region. *
A group of Southern states that has been particularly affected by the HIV epidemic in recent years include Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and East Texas. *
Results indicate that 9 of the 10 states with the highest case fatality rates were in the South; eight of these states were targeted Southern states. *
Most targeted states have abstinence-based sex education or lack of sex education in general, which fails to prepare teens to protect themselves from HIV and STD transmission. *
Laws that criminalize HIV-related behaviors and prohibit needle exchange are common in the south. *

HIV Web Site Resources:

When looking for HIV/AIDS information on the Internet, it's important to know which sites are the most credible. Here are two websites that may be especially useful for patients and those with an interest in learning more about HIV.

www.aidsinfonet.org
Provides HIV/AIDS information in non-technical terms and in multiple languages. Materials found on site are extremely helpful for nurses and other first-line treatment providers, as well as people living with HIV/AIDS and their families.

Fact Sheets are updated frequently to reflect advances in HIV/AIDS therapies. Most Fact Sheets are single page and may be read online or printed for free.
www.thebody.com
Features educational resources as well as personal stories and resources. There is a sister site for professionals, www.thebodypro.com.

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