How much do you know about HIV and AIDS? Wikipedia defines Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as a lentivirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in humans in which the immune system begins to fail, leading to life-threatening opportunistic infections. There are many HIV and AIDS myths out there. HIV and AIDS myths are dangerous and contribute to prejudice and stigma. HIV is a virus that is transmitted from person to person through the exchange of body fluids such as blood, semen, breast milk and vaginal secretions.
Sexual contact is the most common way to spread HIV/AIDS, but it can also be transmitted by sharing needles when injecting drugs, or during childbirth and breastfeeding. As HIV/AIDS reproduces, it damages the body’s immune system and the body becomes susceptible to illness and infection. There is no known cure for HIV infection. AIDS is among the leading causes of death in people 20 to 34 years old. Safer sex means making decisions about sex that will lower your risk of HIV. Use a new latex condom each time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex. You can get tested for HIV through your local health department, doctor’s office, or public testing sites. Many public testing centers, family planning centers and clinics offer free or low-cost testing. For further information call (936) 261-1400 or visit the Owens-Franklin Health Center located on campus and speak with Gregory Rose.