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: Philadelphia.

    Brotherly Love = AIDS Awareness

  • Get HELP

  • Philadelphia FIGHT.
    fight.org 215.985.4448
    Fight provides primary care, education and social servies to those living with HIV in Philadelphia. FIGHT also works closely with The Jonathan Lax Immune Disorders Treatments Center, providing state of the art clinical care to people with HIV/AIDS.

  • Get TESTED

  • Action AIDS: 1026 Arch St. #6 Philly, PA 19107
    2641 North 6th St. Philly, PA 19133

    Appointments: 215.981.0088
    Walk-in Hours: Arch St.: M 11-1, T 10-12, W 1-4, Th 12-2
    N. 6th st.: Tuesday 2-5

  • Get GOING!

  • Dec 11 - PEX vs. Playloop: World AIDS Day Event: Lee Mayjahs, DJ Everyday & Justin Paul
    Silk City
    435 Spring Garden St. Philadelphia 19123
    9-2am; $5 on the list. Call: (215) 592-8838