Almost half of the people infected with HIV last year were between 15 and 24 years old. It is important for anyone who is sexually active or who shares injecting equipment to be aware of the potential risks of HIV. Unfortunately, simply trusting your partner may not necessarily protect you. Learning the facts about HIV and AIDS and how to prevent its spread is the important first step to protect yourself and your community. It begins with YOU!

HIV is the abbreviation of ‘Human Immuno Deficiency Virus’, and it can cause AIDS by breaking down your body’s resistance to infection and illness. It is a virus that can be passed from person to person through sexual fluids, blood and breast milk.

The term “AIDS” is used only when the immune system of a person living with HIV is so broken down that serious infections occur. AIDS is an abbreviation of ‘Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome’, indicating that it isn’t one disease, but a syndrome, or compound of diseases.

Contrary to public perception, you can't get HIV infected by drinking from a water fountain, sitting on a toilet seat, hugging or touching an HIV infected person, or by eating off plates and utensils. The following are ways HIV can be transmitted from one person to another:

• By way of bodily fluids (blood, semen, and vaginal secretions) during sexual contact. Saliva is not considered a transmission route for HIV.
• By sharing needles to inject drugs. Infected blood can be exchanged between the parties who are using the same needle and syringe.
• By accidental needle sticks in the health care industry (needles contaminated with HIV infected blood).
• Through the transfusion of infected blood or blood products (because of new and improved blood screening tools since 1992, this transmission route is no longer a concern).
• HIV infected woman can pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy, during delivery, or while breast feeding.

• Speak openly with partners about safer sex techniques and HIV status.
• If you don't know your status, get an HIV test to protect yourself and others.
• Get tested with your partner as a way of saying "you care and want both of you to stay healthy."
• Use a latex condom with each oral, anal or vaginal sexual encounter. Those with latex allergies should use latex-free condoms.
• Do not share needles or syringes if you inject drugs. If you do inject drugs, seek professional help to kick your habit.
• HIV infected pregnant women should get into regular prenatal care.
• HIV infected women should not breast feed