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: Los Angeles.

    City of Angels. Let one help you.

  • Get HELP

  • AIDS Project Los Angeles.
    apla.org 213.201.1600
    This thriving organization has many resources for those inflicted with AIDS or HIV and their families. They can help find a job, save on costly medication through Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, Medi-Cal, General Relief and food stamps. They even have a list of support groups free to join: http://www.apla.org/calendars/ongoing.html

  • Get TESTED

  • Get tested while you shop at Out of The Closet Thrift Stores! This chain of thrift stores is found all over LA. http://www.outofthecloset.org/hivtesting.html

  • Get GOING!

  • World AIDS Day in West Hollywood sponsored by Aid for AIDS
    Tuesday, December 1 at 6:30 - 8 pm at Gallery 825: 825 N/ La Cienega Blvd. West Hollywood
    CA 90069

    Marie Da Silva (CNN), Brenda Goodman (CEO, Aid for AIDS) will speak and there will be post-reception dessert! Free event, no RSVP required! Afterwards, take to the streets of West Hollywood where there will be a party on every corner!