HIV/AIDS 101
Basic facts about HIV/AIDS
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HIV is the virus that causes AIDS
HIV/AIDS is treatable, but not curable
It is estimated that 1 in 20 people in D.C. are living with HIV
You can’t tell by looking if a person is living with HIV, the only way to know
is by taking an HIV antibody test.
The 4 Fluids
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Blood
Semen
Breast Milk
Vaginal Fluids
These are the four fluids that transmit HIV. The key to protecting yourself
from infection is to avoid these four bodily fluids.
Transmitting HIV
HIV is transmitted when one or more of the four fluids is transferred from one
person to another. The most common ways HIV is transmitted is by:
• Unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sex
• Sharing needles
• Breastfeeding from infected mother to baby
Preventing HIV:
Sharing Needles/Breastfeeding
Needles should never be shared. When getting
tattoos or piercings, make sure that new needles
and new ink bottles are used.
Injection drug users should never share works.
Works can be cleaned using bleach and water.
Mothers living with HIV should not breastfeed
babies; prenatal care can help reduce the chance
that babies of HIV-infected mothers are born
with HIV.
Preventing HIV:
Oral, Anal & Vaginal Sex
Using condoms correctly and consistently will reduce the risk of contracting
HIV through anal and vaginal sex. Using condoms and other latex barriers (like
dental dams) will reduce the risk of transmitting HIV through oral sex.
Using Condoms Correctly
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6.
Check expiration date
Check for air pocket
Open at corner
Pinch the tip
Roll down to the base of the erect penis
After sex, hold base and withdraw while
penis is erect
7. Roll off and tie knot in used condom
8. Discard in trash can
The Great Condom Race
Using the female condom
Questions?
How do you ensure you will never catch
HIV?
Abstaining from sex means not participating in sex at all. Abstinence is the
only way to ensure they you will never contract HIV. Condoms reduce the risk
for HIV, but they do not eliminate the risks altogether.
Where did HIV come from?
The origin of HIV
HIV is believed to have originated in
non-human primates in subSaharan Africa and was transferred to humans late in the 19th or early in
the 20th century.
HIV = Human Immunodeficiency Virus
AIDS = Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
HIV attacks the body’s
immune system
The immune system is the body’s natural defense
against disease and infections
White blood cells help fight infections
HIV attacks and destroys T-cells, which are a type of
white blood cell (also known as CD4 cells)
HIV replicates itself and attacks more T-cells to
weaken the immune system so that it no longer
functions
Questions?
Sexual Risk Behaviors Among District of Columbia High
School Students, Youth Risk Behavior Survey 2007, N=
944
What do you know about
HIV antibody testing?
How HIV testing works
All HIV tests look for HIV
antibodies
HIV antibodies appear in the body anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks following
transmission (this period of time is called the window period)
If HIV antibodies are discovered, it is called being “reactive” or “HIV positive.”
If no HIV antibodies are found, it is called being “non-reactive” or “HIV
negative.”
All HIV positive results require a confirmatory blood test.
HIV testing at MTA is free, painless and confidential.
Do you know where to get free condoms
and free HIV testing?
Questions?
651 Pennsylvania Avenue SE
Washington, D.C. 20003
202.543.9355
www.metroteenaids.org