Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV attacks and damages the body's immune system- the body's system for protecting itself from disease. When HIV reaches an advanced stage a person will be diagnosed with AIDS. People with AIDS suffer from fatal infections (known as opportunistic infections) such as cancers.

How Do I Get Infected with HIV?

There are four body fluids that transmit HIV:

· blood, semen, vaginal secretions or breast milk.

Certain behaviors or activities place people at risk for HIV infection:

· Sex - vaginal, anal, and oral sex and sharing sex toys, etc.

· Re-using or sharing of needles or syringes with traces of the blood of an infected person (for tattooing, drug use, and steroids).

· Drug users who share needles are at a high risk of becoming infected.

HIV is NOT Spread by:

· Casual contact such as hugging, kissing, or shaking hands.

· Coughing, sneezing, sweating, or tears, mosquitoes, or donating blood.

· Sharing toilet seats, swimming pools, food, eating utensils, drinking fountains, telephones or clothing.

· The risk of infection through blood transfusion is low since, all blood and blood products are screened for HIV.

How Can I Prevent The Spread Of HIV?

· Abstinence (not having sex) may be your best choice.

· Practice "Safer Sex" to lower your risk of infection. Always use latex condoms for vaginal and anal sex, and dental dams for oral sex.

· Limit the number of sexual partners you have.

· Ask your partner about his/her sexual history.

· Get tested.

· Never share needles or equipment for injection drug use, steroid use, or for tattooing or piercing.

· Be sure that instruments to be used on you for tattoos and body piercing have been sterilized.

· If you use injection drugs: find out about locations to exchange your used needles for clean ones and to learn more about how you can reduce your risk of getting HIV.

· Learn and understand more about HIV/AIDS.

How Do I Get Tested?

· Ask for a blood test for HIV from your doctor. Some STD or Family Planning Clinics offer free and confidential testing.

This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. If you have specific questions, please consult your doctor or appropriate health care professional.