HIV Prevention & Education

HIV prevention remains the most effective strategy to reduce the spread of HIV disease. In fact, according to the newly released UNAIDS 2004 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic, comprehensive prevention could avert 29 million of the 45 million new HIV infections projected to occur this decade. Education is a key component of defense against this disease.

How is HIV transmitted?

• HIV can be transmitted by the exchange of infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids from one person to another.
• Sexual transmission of HIV occurs most frequently during anal or vaginal intercourse without the use of a latex condom.
• HIV can be transmitted by sharing contaminated needles.
• HIV can be transmitted during oral sex.
• Infected women can transmit the virus to their babies during pregnancy or birth and in some cases, through breast milk.

Knowing that HIV/AIDS is a preventable disease, consider the following preventive measures:

• The only sure way to prevent sexual transmission of HIV is through abstinence.
• Think and talk about HIV prevention before having sex.
• When engaging in anal, vaginal or oral sex, use a latex condom each time (do not re-use condoms).
• During sexual activity, avoid getting someone else's blood, semen, or vaginal secretions into your body.
• Be aware that alcohol and other drugs impair judgment, which may lead to unsafe practices. (crystal, cocaine, ecstasy, etc.)
• If injecting drugs, do not share the needles (or cotton, syringe and cooker). Use new needles or needles cleaned with full strength bleach and rinsed with water each time.
• If snorting drugs, do not share straws or any other snorting tools.

HIV and sexually transmittied diseases

• The same sexual behaviors that place someone at risk for an STD (unprotected anal, vaginal and oral sex) also pose risk for HIV.
  
• Ulcerative STDs (herpes, syphilis chancroid) can cause sores or breaks in the skin that provide a source of entry for HIV. These ulcers may not be apparent and may be inside the mouth, anus or vagina.
• New research has shown that when a person is infected with both HIV and an STD, the chances of transmitting the virus is 3-5 times higher.
• All individuals diagnosed with an STD should consider an HIV test.
• Routine screening and early treatment of STDs can help prevent new HIV infections.
  

No matter what your age, if you are sexually active, regular HIV testing is recommended. For questions or to schedule an appointment, please contact us at 508-487-9395, TTY 508-487-9414.