Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease of the immune system caused by the human
immunodificiency virus (HIV).
AIDS reduces the effectiveness of the immune system, leaving people open to infections and tumors.
HIV is transmitted through direct contact with an HIV-infected bodily fluid: blood, semen,
presemenal fluid, vaginal fluid or breast milk.
This transmission happens during vaginal or oral sex, blood transfusion, contaminated
hypodermic needles, exchange between a mother and her child during pregnancy.
In 2007, statistics showed 33.2 million people lived with the disease worldwide,
with 2.1 million deaths, including 330,000 children.
Although treatments for AIDS and HIV can slow the disease, there is no cure.
The majority of HIV infections are acquired through unprotected sex between 2 people-one of whom has HIV.
The primary mode of HIV infection is sexual contact between members of the opposite sex.
During a sexual act, only male or female condoms can reduce the chances of infection with HIV
Using condoms reduces the risk of HIV transmission by approximately 80%
The male condom, if used correctly without oil-based lubricants, is the single most effective available technology to elimate HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Manufacturers recommend that oil-based lubricants such as petroleum jelly* or butter, not be used with latex condoms, because they dissolve the latex.
If necessary, manufacturers recommend using water-based lubricants.**
The female condom is an alternative to the male condom
Studies suggest that, where female condoms are available, overall protected sexual acts increase making them an important HIV-prevention strategy.
Studies on couples where one partner is infected show that with consistent condom use, HIV infection rates for the uninfected partner are below 1% per year.
*unsafe lubricants:Vaseline, Baby Oil. In all cases, READ THE LABEL
**safe lubricants: Liquid Silk, Astroglide, Pjur, K-Y products, Sliquid, RepHresh, Wet
Send a text with your zip code to "KNOWIT" (566948). Within seconds, you'll receive a text with an HIV testing site near you. This free service is through www.HIVtest.org.
AIDS Action Baltimore
aidsactionbaltimore.org 410.837.2437
AAB provides educational, financial and emotional support for people with HIV/AIDS, supports and manages two of the area's major patient assistance programs. These programs provide financial assistance for housing, utilities, medicine and medical bills
Chase Brexton Health Services
-1001 Cathedral Street Baltimore, MD 21201 410-837-2050
-4000 Old Court Road, Suite 203 Baltimore, MD 21208 410-486-5991
Free anonymous testing and counseling by appointment: Monday through Friday. HIV Clinic & STD Clinic.
tails at Tryconnell
Sunday, 12/6 3-7pm
10 E. Eager St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 837-2437
Benefit event sponsored by AAB: a swanky cocktail party with sultry music and scrumptious food, silent auction and other surprises. Only 150 tickets available: $125 per person.
-Monday, 12/ 1
Camp Rehoboth Community Center World AIDS Day 08: Hope Will Lead Us
4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. - World AIDS Day Art Exhibit @ Camp Rehoboth Community Center 37 Baltimore Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE
6:30 p.m. - Candlelight Walk of Hope in the Rehoboth Beach Christmas Parade
7:30 p.m. - Service of Remembrance and Hope @ All Saints Episcopal Church Olive Ave., Rehoboth Beach, DE
8:30 p.m. - Supper @ All Saints' Church
For additional information, call 302-227-5620
-Free HIV Testing:
9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. - Free, anonymous and confidential rapid HIV testing @ Mt. Vernon offices 1001 Cathedral St., Baltimore, MD
9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Free, anonymous and confidential rapid HIV testing @ Randallstown offices 8507 Liberty Rd.
For additional information, call 410-837-2050