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Most people living with HIV are unaware they are infected. Knowing your status is critical in preventing the spread of HIV.
Without a cure, education and prevention are the most effective ways to stop the spread of HIV. Take the time to know the facts, and share these facts with your loved ones. If we all take personal responsibility, the spread of HIV is completely preventable.
YouthAIDS is a global initiative of PSI working in over 60 countries to spread awareness of HIV/AIDS and to educate and empower young people to protect themselves against the disease. With only $10, YouthAIDS can help protect and educate a young person from HIV for an entire year with life-saving information, products, services and care.
What are HIV and AIDS?
HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that kills your body’s "CD4 cells." CD4 cells (also called T-helper cells) help your body fight off infection and disease.
AIDS, the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is the disease you get when HIV destroys your body’s immune system. Normally, your immune system helps you fight off illnesses.
How can you tell if someone is infected?
You cannot tell if someone is infected by just looking at them. A person infected with HIV may look healthy and feel good, but they can still transmit the virus. A blood test is the only way a person can find out if he or she is infected.
How do you get infected?
HIV is spread through blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. Contact with these fluids puts you at risk for HIV infection.
How can you avoid infection?
- Abstinence: Do not have sex (anal, vaginal or oral). This is the only sure way to avoid contracting the virus by this means.
- Mutual Fidelity: Stay with one partner who has sex only with you.
- Correct and Consistent Condom Use: Use a new latex condom every time you have sex. When used correctly and consistently, condoms can help prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
- Do not share needles and syringes.
Learn more on HIV prevention from the CDC.
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