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.
No AIDS Task Force: A Partnership for Life
noaidstaskforce.org 504.821.2601
New Orleans HIV-inflicted residents can meet with an intake counselor to discuss your needs and verify your eligibility. They welcome drop-ins, 8:30 - 5:00, Monday-Friday. Bring proof of income, proof of residency/address, proof of diagnosis, copy of Medicaid, food stamp, ADAP or other private insurance card, list of any current medications and any questions you might want answered.
Community Awareness Task Force: 507 Frenchmen St. New Orleans, LA
Hours: M 1-3. T 4:30-7:30, Th 4:30-7:30, Sat 1-3
Alternate Location: 2601 Tulane Ave. 5th Floor New Orleans, LA
Hours: W 5-7, F 1-3
Testing is free and anonymous and the rapid HIV test is available. The rapid test takes about an hour total to take the test and get the results. Specially trained staff and volunteers offer one-on-one counseling for individuals requesting an HIV test.
Outreach Venue Testing around town:
1. Bourbon Pub: 801 Bourbon St New Orleans, LA 70116-3106
1st Friday of every month 6:00 - 8:00 PM
2. Club New Orleans
2nd Thursday of every month 9:00 - 11:00 pm
3. Good Friends Bar: 740 Dauphine St. New Orleans, LA 70116
2nd Friday of every month 6:00 - 8:00 pm
4. Cafe Lafitte in Exile: 901 Bourbon St. New Orleans, LA 70116
3rd Monday of every month 6:00 - 8:00 pm
5. Oz 800 Bourbon St. New Orleans, LA 70116
4th Friday of every month 6:00 - 8:00 pm
ACTION MAKES A DIFFERENCE
City Hall
1300 Perdido Street
New Orleans
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Agencies from the New Orleans area will provide no-cost rapid HIV counseling and testing and educational materials. There will also be guest speakers. For info contact Allison Vertovec at 504-821-2601