HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus, has been around for over fifteen years. Stories about this virus can be found in the newspaper and on the TV and radio almost daily. Most teens have gotten some form of HIV education in school or their faith community. Many teens have talked to their friends and family about HIV. Despite all of this, HIV is increasing among teens. Young adults learn that this infection is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, blood contact and by being born to an infected mother. HIV may take over ten years to cause people to look and feel sick. Many infected teens look healthy. There is no way to tell if someone is HIV infected just by looking at them. Anyone who has unsafe sex is at risk of becoming infected.

Avoiding HIV can be done in three ways. One way is not to have sex. People who don't have sex don't get sexually transmitted diseases. At some point in life, most people will have sex. They need to be tested for HIV and other infections before they have sex even if they are getting married. Once tested, if both people are not infected, they can choose only to have sex with each other. This is called mutual monogamy. If anyone has another sex partner, it's no longer safe.

Another way to avoid HIV is to use a condom for each sex act. Condoms need to be used each time, from start to finish, with every single partner. Latex rubber or plastic condoms can reduce the risk of HIV and other infections.

The last way is to avoid using intravenous drugs (drugs injected into a vein). When drugs are used this way, and the drug equipment is shared, HIV may be transmitted.

Remember, many teens are infected with HIV each year. Someone can get HIV from having sex just one time. You are the only person who can really protect yourself. Learn about HIV and how to avoid it. There are many books especially for teens, on this subject. Talk to your healthcare provider, or contact the AIDS organization(800) 342-AIDS.

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