HIV / AIDS: CONCERNS FOR YOUNG ADULTS

HIV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection causes AIDS, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which leads to death. Most teens have gotten some form of HIV education in school or from their faith community. Many teens have talked to their friends and family about HIV.

Young adults learn that this infection is transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, blood contact, from drug needles, and by being born to an infected mother. HIV may take over 10 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 the person.

Despite all of this, HIV is increasing among teens, including those that are heterosexual. HIV can be avoided in three ways. One way is to not have sex. People who do not have sex do not 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 to have sex only with each other. This is called mutual monogamy. Having sex with anyone but your partner puts you both at risk for a sexual disease like AIDS.

Another way to reduce the risk of HIV is to use a latex condom for each sex act. Condoms need to be used each time, from start to finish, with every 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, HIV infection is preventable, however 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 you.

AIDS is fatal. Learn about HIV and how to avoid it. There are many books especially for teens on this subject. Talk to your healthcare provider or 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.

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