AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is a disease caused by a virus. This virus is called HIV for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is contagious, but not like a cold or the flu. HIV is spread through contact with body fluids, usually blood, vaginal secretions or semen. Certain other body fluids, like breast milk, can also carry HIV. However, HIV is not spread by saliva or spit, sweat or tears. The most common ways people get HIV are through sexual contact and using HIV-infected needles to take drugs.

Most people who are infected with HIV eventually develop AIDS. When people develop AIDS, their immune system is slowly destroyed. Some people live with HIV for many years before developing AIDS. In other people, AIDS occurs very quickly. At the present time, experts consider that everyone who develops AIDS will die from complications of the disease.

Many people still think that HIV and AIDS are problems that only gay men need to worry about. However, the most common way HIV is spread is through heterosexual sex involving a man and a woman. AIDS is the number one killer of women between the ages of 25 and 44 in the U.S. Minority women seem to be at special risk. Many women say that they do not want to be tested to see if they have HIV because nothing can be done. However, there are many new treatments for HIV and AIDS. Early diagnosis and treatment may add many years to your life. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, it is especially important to get tested for HIV. There are new treatments which can help prevent your baby from becoming infected if you have HIV.

If you use needles to inject drugs, use new needles or clean your needles with bleach and water before using. If you are sexually active, engage in safer sex. While safer sex is not one hundred percent effective, it can greatly reduce your risk of infection with HIV and other diseases. Use latex or plastic condoms for anal sex, intercourse, or oral sex with men. Use dental dams or other barriers for oral sex with women. Avoid lambskin condoms or oil-based lubricants. Using latex or plastic condoms with water-based lubricants with nonoxynol-9 may also help reduce risk.

Sometimes women have problems insisting that a man put on a condom. But you may be risking your life if you do not speak up. Although they cost a little more, you may want to try a female condom, instead. Contact an HIV/AIDS service organization for help in learning to speak to your sexual partner. To learn more, call the National AIDS Hotline at (800) 342-2437. Spanish speakers can call (800) 342-7432. If you already know you have HIV, call WORLD (Women Organized to Respond to Life-threatening Diseases) at (510) 658-6930 (toll call) for support.

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