AIDS Awareness

Protection Begins with Education

  • What is AIDS?

  • 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.

  • Protect Yourself = Prevent infection = Use a Condom.

    • 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

  • Get Tested. Piece of mind is priceless.

    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.

  • World AIDS Day: Houston

    Don't Mess with AIDS Awareness...

  • Get HELP

  • AIDS Foundation Houston
    apla.org 213.201.1600

    aidshelp.org 713-623-6796
    AFH provides more than 40 HIV prevention, services and volunteer programs including: permanent & transitional housing, Financial assistance, food pantries, legal aid, transport, and child monitoring.
    -Free Legal Aid for HIV/AIDS Clients
    Date/Time:Second Tuesday of every month
    Katine & Nechman L.L.P.
    1111 North Loop West, Suite 180 Houston, TX
    713-808-1000
    http://www.lawkn.com

  • Get TESTED

  • West End Health Center (map link)
    190 Heights Blvd, 713-866-4149

    Testing: Monday: 10:30am to 7:30pm & Tuesday-Friday: 8am to 4:30pm

  • Get GOING!

  • Bilingual World AIDS Day at Bethel Church, UCC
    All Day Event!
    Bethel Church UCC: 1107 Shepherd Drive Houston, TX
    713-861-6670
    www.bethelhouston.org