MINORITIES AND HIV

Anyone, who is sexually active, regardless of age, sex, race, or sexual orientation, is at risk for AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency virus. Minority populations are especially at risk according to rising statistics. Almost two-thirds of all women reported to have AIDS are African-American. African-American children also represent almost two-thirds of all reported pediatric AIDS cases.

Why are the numbers so much higher with African-Americans and Hispanics? There are many theories including:

minorities have less access to healthcare and education or
minorities may be less likely to take precautions while having sex or using injection drugs

Sometimes it takes knowing someone with HIV or AIDS to make the danger real to people. Unfortunately, more and more Hispanic and African-American people are having this experience.

What can you do to avoid getting HIV? If you use needles to inject drugs, use new needles or clean your needles before and after re-using them. There is a 3-step cleaning process that uses bleach to disinfect needles. The steps must be done immediately before and after using the needle. Contact the National AIDS Hotline at 800-342-2437 for the proper 3-step cleaning instructions that will eliminate the risk of getting HIV with a used needle.

If you are sexually active, it is very important to practice safe sex. While safe sex is not one hundred percent effective, it can greatly reduce your risk of infection with HIV and other diseases. Safe sex means using latex or plastic condoms for vaginal or anal intercourse, or oral sex on men. Use dental dams or other barriers for oral sex on women. Avoid lambskin condoms. Use latex, plastic, or polyurethane condoms with water-based lubricants. For maximum protection, condoms must be used consistently and correctly every time there is sexual activity.

Safe sex also means talking to your partner about their prior sexual activities and use of intravenous drugs. While it may be difficult to talk to your partner about sex, you may be risking your life if you do not speak up. An HIV or AIDS service organization can offer suggestions on how to discuss safe sex and HIV risks with your sexual partner.

For more information on HIV and AIDS, call the 24-hour National STD and AIDS Hotline at (800) 227-8922 or (800) 342-2437. The Spanish speaking Hotline at (800) 344-7432 is available between the hours of 8:00 AM and 2:00 AM eastern standard time 7 days a week. The TTY line for the hearing impaired is (800) 243-7889 between 10:00 am and 10:00 PM Monday through Friday eastern standard time. These hotlines are provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information can also be obtained from their website at www.cdc.gov.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File INFE4617.RF2 VRS#4617 Data Version 7.0