Get the facts

"Don't listen to rumors about AIDS. Get the facts!"
KNOW FOR SURE HOW YOU CAN GET IT—AND HOW YOU CAN'T.

The HIV virus (Human Immuno-Deficiency Virus) attacks the immune system, destroying T-cells which help to ward off infection. Eventually the destruction of T-cells is sufficient to make one susceptible to opportunistic infections (OIs), which fall under the umbrella of AIDS. This is a progressive, serious condition which frequently ends in death. As of December 31, 1999, there were more than 700,000 cases of AIDS in this country and over 128,000 cases in New York State. To date, there is no known cure for AIDS.

AIDS is a disease of behavior. The same behavior which puts you at risk for other STD's (gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphillis, herpes II and hepatitis B) and pregnancy puts you at risk for AIDS. As people who are experimenting with a variety of sexual and nonsexual behavior, and who, demographically, have the highest rate of STD's of any age group in the country, college students are at risk for HIV infection.

It is estimated that nationwide, one in every 500 college students in the U.S. is HIV+. It is, however, relatively easy and enjoyable to avoid HIV infection.

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Transmission

Since the numbers of infected people are unknown, it is important to protect yourself as consistently as possible. Some people become infected after one unprotected sexual encounter, others, after multiple exposures. The following are the currently known means of transmission of the virus.

BLOOD AIDS can be acquired through sharing dirty needles and syringes, by ear and body piercing, tattooing, using steroids, using such recreational drugs as speed or smack (heroin), receiving contaminated blood or blood products*, becoming blood brothers or sisters, or having unprotected intercourse with an HIV infected menstruating woman. This would also apply to using dirty needles for at-home medical use such as insulin injections, and it applies to sharing razors as well.

SEMEN and VAGINAL FLUIDS Exchange of infected semen or vaginal fluids through unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral intercourse can result in AIDS. Transmission rates are higher for the receiver than the donor. This includes the possibility of unscreened semen in artificial insemination.

IN UTERO Sixteen to twenty-five percent of the fetuses of HIV+ mothers are born HIV+ infected.

IN BREAST MILK Since October 1987 there have been documented cases of HIV transmission from mother to baby through breast milk.

*The blood supply for transfusions and hemophiliacs has been carefully screened since 1985 and is considered statistically safe.

AIDS and You

For most college students, the most probable means of transmission are through blood, semen and vaginal fluids. Cofactors—variables which can increase your susceptibility—include having other STD's (eg. syphillis, chancroid, or gonorrhea which can leave sores), or using alcohol, marijuana (grass, weed, pot), or cocaine, which may alter your judgment and may suppress your immune system.

There is a latency period of up to 10.8 years from the time of infection to appearance of symptoms. During this time, you are infected with the virus; you are contagious (you can give it to someone else), and feel healthy (you are asymptomatic). Currently it is believed that HIV can NOT be transmitted through saliva, tears, urine, or perspiration (sweat).