In another's words

If you'll allow me a brief diversion from my usual self indulgence, the following came from Michelle (the blogless). Though the information is out there already, it bears repeating - complacency is nobody's friend.

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Today is World AIDS Day and you probably don't think I have to remind you that HIV and AIDS are still an epidemic around the world and in the US. And most of us out there believe that we, as smart, savvy people, have a better understanding about HIV and AIDS and preventing the spread of the disease, but you would be surprised. I once overheard two college girls talking about sleeping with some guy and not using protection. One of the girls said, "But that's okay, because he's not dirty." I am still puzzled by what "dirty" means and I am still outraged that those girls think that unprotected sex is ok as long as it is with someone in your own social class/circle.

So let's stop the stupidity. Let your voice be heard far and wide. You may think they know, but they don't know. So, explain to people HIV/AIDS, the pros of protected sex, and how HIV/AIDS is killing millions of people worldwide.

So to refresh your memory:

Worldwide:

HIV is one of the biggest social, economic and health challenges in the world. It is a global emergency claiming over 8,000 lives every day. In fact 5 people die of AIDS every minute.

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This is the virus known to cause AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). If someone is HIV-positive, it means they have been infected with the virus.

A person infected with HIV does not have AIDS until the virus seriously damages their immune system, making them vulnerable to a range of infections, some of which can lead to death.

HIV is transmitted through body fluids in particular blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk, in fact there are only four ways you can become HIV positive.

In 2003, almost 5 million people acquired HIV, which means there are now almost 38 million people living with HIV and AIDS. Despite best efforts from governments, non-profit organizations and healthcare practitioners around the world, HIV and AIDS is still having huge global impact.

[Above from http://www.worldaidsday.org/about.asp]
[For more comprehensive info about HIV and AIDS, go to: http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/hivinf.htm]

In America:

An estimated 886,575 AIDS cases have been diagnosed in the United States since the beginning of the epidemic through 2002.

An estimated 312,133 cases of HIV have been diagnosed through 2002. An estimated 26,464 new HIV cases were diagnosed in 2002.

Sixty-nine percent of the total estimated AIDS deaths have occurred in people ages 25-44.

Persons ages 13-24 account for 11 percent of new HIV cases diagnosed in 2002. Of these persons females accounted for 41 percent of the cases.

As many as 950,000 Americans may be infected with HIV, one-quarter of whom are unaware of their infection. (1)

[Above from http://www.omhrc.gov/hivaidsobservances/hivaidsinfo.html#fact; (1) is from http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/hivinf.htm]

Safer Sex:

The best way to stop HIV being passed on is to use condoms during vaginal or anal sex, if there is any possibility that either partner could have the virus. It can take only a single episode of unprotected sex (i.e. not using a condom) with an infected partner for HIV to be passed on. Condoms are the only form of contraception that will protect you from HIV.

However, HIV is not always passed on the first time, so it's never too late to start practicing safer sex.

[Above from http://www.worldaidsday.org/safe.asp]

Prevention:

Because no vaccine for HIV is available, the only way to prevent infection by the virus is to avoid behaviors that put a person at risk of infection, such as sharing needles and having unprotected sex.

Many people infected with HIV have no symptoms. Therefore, there is no way of knowing with certainty whether a sexual partner is infected unless he or she has repeatedly tested negative for the virus and has not engaged in any risky behavior.

People should either abstain from having sex or use male latex condoms or female polyurethane condoms, which may offer partial protection, during oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Only water-based lubricants should be used with male latex condoms.

Although some laboratory evidence shows that spermicides can kill HIV, researchers have not found that these products can prevent a person from getting HIV.

The risk of HIV transmission from a pregnant woman to her baby is significantly reduced if she takes AZT during pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and if her baby takes it for the first six weeks of life.

[Above from http://www.niaid.nih.gov/factsheets/hivinf.htm]