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.gov
AIDS.gov is a comprehensive site run by the US government that serves as a one-stop shop for everything you need to know about AIDS in America. Frequently updated news/events, a blog that covers new media, research and government policy, testing information, a podcast and several places to input your zip code and get the skinny on your local access to AIDS help. This site is a testament to how seriously The US Government really is taking AIDS awareness.
From yours or a friend's phone, send a text of 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.
-www.worldaidscampaign.org/en/Key-events/World-AIDS-Day/Events-Calendar/
This site has an international events calendar for World AIDS Day! Make sure to check under "N. America" and "United States" as some listings are under each.
-Invite some friends over, pass out red ribbons & red wine and host your own World AIDS Day event! Watch the news channels broadcast coverage of World AIDS Day, or if you have a TIVO record your favorite topical shows that day (Oprah, Ellen and others will touch on World AIDS Day) and play them in the background. If you'd rather play music to commemorate the event, you can purchase the LIVE AID CD on Amazon.com for less than $30 for a 4-disc set of the biggest rock event in history-featuring David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Sting, The Who, U2, Neil Young, and many, many more. Royalties will benefit Band Aid Trust, which continues to provide direct relief in those inflicted in Africa.