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 the fluid in the spinal column, can also carry HIV. However, HIV is not spread by saliva or spit. It is also not spread by 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. HIV is spreading among both gay and straight men in the U.S. AIDS is the number one killer of men between the ages of 25 and 44 in the United States. HIV is infecting record numbers of men of all age groups, especially young men. Age is not a protection, though. Many elderly men get HIV.

Many men 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 these days. Early diagnosis and treatment may add years to your life.

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 with men, women, or both, 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. Avoid lambskin condoms. Use dental dams or other barriers for oral sex with women. Avoid petroleum based lubricants. Using latex or plastic condoms with water-based lubricants with nonoxynol-9 may also help reduce risk.

For more information on HIV and AIDS, call the National AIDS Hotline at (800) 342-2437. Spanish speakers can call (800) 342-7432. For information about new treatments and research, call the American Foundation for AIDS Research at (212) 719-0033 (toll call).

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