Myth or Fact?
There is still a lot of misinformation about HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases. Can you distinguish myth from fact? Read the statements below and note Myth or Fact by each statement.
1. We do not need a condom for oral sex
2. HIV can survive for only a short time outside of the body
3. The AIDS epidemic began when a human male had sexual intercourse with African monkeys, transmitting the virus to modern humans
4. AIDs can be spread through casual contact with an HIV positive individual
5. You can tell by looking at someone if they have HIV
6. The Top Partner During Vaginal and Anal Sex Is at Low Risk for HIV
7. Oral Sex Is Low Risk for HIV
8. Lesbians don’t get HIV
9. HIV can be spread through tears, sweat, mosquitoes, pools, or casual contact
10. I'm safe because I'm in a monogamous relationship (or married)
11. Both my partner and I are infected, therefore we do not need to use a condom
12. It's not AIDS that kills people; it's the medicines they take
13. The HIV/AIDS test is not reliable
14. If I'm receiving treatment, I can't spread the HIV virus
15. The Number of People Infected With HIV Is Going Down
16. Only gay people can get HIV/AIDS
17. There is a cure to HIV/AIDS
*CLICK THE ORANGE BUTTON ABOVE TO SEE THE CORRECT ANSWERS
****
HIV Facts and Stats
While great advances have been made in the management of HIV, the virus continues to be of significant threat to people of all ages throughout the U.S. and our world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated over 1 million people in the US were living with HIV at the end of 2006, an 11% increase since previous estimates in 2003[1]. This is the most recent year for which national prevalence estimates are available. This increase may be the result of
· An increase in the number of HIV infected individuals knowing their status and seeking care and treatment to increase survival; and/or
· A higher number of people becoming infected with HIV then those who die with HIV or AIDS
Approximately 56,000 new HIV infections are reported each year in the U.S[2]. Over half (53%) of these new infections occurred in gay and bisexual men. Black/African American men and women were also strongly affected and were estimated to have an incidence rate that was 7 times as high as the incidence rate among whites[3].
Youth and HIV
Young people continue to be at increased risk for HIV. This risk is especially notable for youth of minority races and ethnicities. Of note, there are more new HIV infections in young Black men who have sex with men(MSM) aged 13-29 years, than any other age or racial group of MSM[4]. Similarly, among Hispanic MSM, most new infections occur in those aged 13-29 years4. Additionally, young Black women bear a disproportionate burden of disease4. The primary risk factors contributing to HIV are physiological, social and environmental in nature. They include, but are not limited to:
· Initiation of sex at an early age
· Multiple partners
· STI co-infection
· Inconsistent or no condom use
· Lack of HIV prevention awareness
· Lack of access to or acceptance of HIV testing
· Socio-economic status
· Substance use
The CDC[5] reports that
HIV Prevention and Treatment[11]
HIV cannot be spread by drinking from a water fountain, sitting on a toilet seat, hugging or touching an HIV infected person, or 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 (if the needles are 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 breastfeeding.
Signs and Symptoms of HIV[12]
You should not rely on symptoms to determine whether or not you are infected with HIV. Many people who are infected may not have symptoms for 10 years or more. The best way to be sure of your status is through regular HIV tests. The following may be warning signs of advanced HIV infection:
How to Prevent the Spread of HIV Infection11
· Get an HIV test to protect yourself and others. Ensure that your partner knows his/her status
· Have open dialogue with your partner about safer sex practices
· Be sure to use a latex condom with each sexual encounter (oral, anal or vaginal). (Latex-free condoms should be used by those with latex allergies)
· 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 breastfeed.
Treatment[13]
There is no cure for HIV but there are treatment options that can help people living with HIV experience long and productive lives. To determine when to start and which treatment is appropriate, your doctor will need to take at least two blood tests:
· A viral load test to see how much HIV is in your bloodstream, and
· A T-cell test, also known as a CD4 count, which tests how strong your immune system is
Read more about these tests at http://www.thebody.com/content/art50043.html
[1] CDC HIV in the United States: An Overview. July 2010. Retrieved January 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/resources/factsheets/us_overview.htm
[2] Hall HI, Ruiguang S, Rhodes P, et al. Estimation of HIV incidence in the United States. JAMA. 2008;300:520-529.
[3] CDC HIV Prevention Strategic Plan extended through 2010, October 2007. Retrieved January 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/reports/psp/pdf/psp.pdf
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2008). Subpopulation estimates from the HIV incidence surveillance system—United States, 2006. Morbidity and and MortalityWeekly Report, 57(36), 985–989.
[5] CDC National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Sexual Risk Behaviors. Retrieved January 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/sexualbehaviors/index.htm
[6]CDC. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance—United States, 2009. [pdf 3.5M] MMWR 2010;59(SS-5):1–142.
[7] Mosher W, Chandra A, Jones J. Sexual behavior and selected health measures: men and women 15-44 years of age, United States, 2002. Advance Data from Vital and Health Statistics September 15, 2005; Number 362:21-26.
[8] CDC. HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report, 2006. Atlanta: US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2008;18:11.
[9] Weinstock H, Berman S, Cates W. Sexually transmitted diseases among American youth: Incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2004;36(1):6-10.
[10] Ventura SJ, Abma JC, Mosher WD, Henshaw SK. Recent trends in teenage pregnancy in the United States, 1990-2002. Health E-stats. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. Released December 13, 2006.
[11] Cichocki, M. About.com Guide HIV 101 – HIV information to Help you understand February 28, 2010, retrieved January 2011
[12] CDC, HIV/AIDS Basics November 6, 2006 retrieved January 2011 http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/qa/definitions.htm
[13] Goldman, B. The Body. HIV treatment 101 November 24, 2009 retrieved January 2011 from http://www.thebody.com/content/art50044.html
1. We do not need a condom for oral sex
2. HIV can survive for only a short time outside of the body
3. The AIDS epidemic began when a human male had sexual intercourse with African monkeys, transmitting the virus to modern humans
4. AIDs can be spread through casual contact with an HIV positive individual
5. You can tell by looking at someone if they have HIV
6. The Top Partner During Vaginal and Anal Sex Is at Low Risk for HIV
7. Oral Sex Is Low Risk for HIV
8. Lesbians don’t get HIV
9. HIV can be spread through tears, sweat, mosquitoes, pools, or casual contact
10. I'm safe because I'm in a monogamous relationship (or married)
11. Both my partner and I are infected, therefore we do not need to use a condom
12. It's not AIDS that kills people; it's the medicines they take
13. The HIV/AIDS test is not reliable
14. If I'm receiving treatment, I can't spread the HIV virus
15. The Number of People Infected With HIV Is Going Down
16. Only gay people can get HIV/AIDS
17. There is a cure to HIV/AIDS
*CLICK THE ORANGE BUTTON ABOVE TO SEE THE CORRECT ANSWERS
****
HIV Facts and Stats
While great advances have been made in the management of HIV, the virus continues to be of significant threat to people of all ages throughout the U.S. and our world. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated over 1 million people in the US were living with HIV at the end of 2006, an 11% increase since previous estimates in 2003[1]. This is the most recent year for which national prevalence estimates are available. This increase may be the result of
· An increase in the number of HIV infected individuals knowing their status and seeking care and treatment to increase survival; and/or
· A higher number of people becoming infected with HIV then those who die with HIV or AIDS
Approximately 56,000 new HIV infections are reported each year in the U.S[2]. Over half (53%) of these new infections occurred in gay and bisexual men. Black/African American men and women were also strongly affected and were estimated to have an incidence rate that was 7 times as high as the incidence rate among whites[3].
Youth and HIV
Young people continue to be at increased risk for HIV. This risk is especially notable for youth of minority races and ethnicities. Of note, there are more new HIV infections in young Black men who have sex with men(MSM) aged 13-29 years, than any other age or racial group of MSM[4]. Similarly, among Hispanic MSM, most new infections occur in those aged 13-29 years4. Additionally, young Black women bear a disproportionate burden of disease4. The primary risk factors contributing to HIV are physiological, social and environmental in nature. They include, but are not limited to:
· Initiation of sex at an early age
· Multiple partners
· STI co-infection
· Inconsistent or no condom use
· Lack of HIV prevention awareness
· Lack of access to or acceptance of HIV testing
· Socio-economic status
· Substance use
The CDC[5] reports that
- In 2009, 46% of high school students had ever had sexual intercourse, and 14% of high school students had had four or more sex partners during their life.[6]
- In 2009, 34% of currently sexually active high school students did not use a condom during last sexual intercourse. 4
- In 2002, 11% of males and females aged 15-19 had engaged in anal sex with someone of the opposite sex; 3% of males aged 15-19 had had anal sex with a male. [7]
- In 2002, 55% of males and 54% of females aged 15-19 had engaged in oral sex with someone of the opposite sex.5
- In 2006, an estimated 5,259 young people aged 13-24 in the 33 states reporting to CDC were diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, representing about 14% of the persons diagnosed that year. [8]
- Each year, there are approximately 19 million new STD infections, and almost half of them are among youth aged 15 to 24.[9]
- In 2002, 12% of all pregnancies, or 757,000, occurred among adolescents aged 15-19.[10]
- In 2009, 22% of high school students who had sexual intercourse during the past three months drank alcohol or used drugs before last sexual intercourse.4
HIV Prevention and Treatment[11]
HIV cannot be spread by drinking from a water fountain, sitting on a toilet seat, hugging or touching an HIV infected person, or 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 (if the needles are 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 breastfeeding.
Signs and Symptoms of HIV[12]
You should not rely on symptoms to determine whether or not you are infected with HIV. Many people who are infected may not have symptoms for 10 years or more. The best way to be sure of your status is through regular HIV tests. The following may be warning signs of advanced HIV infection:
- unexplained weight loss
- diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
- dry cough
- visual changes
- flu-like symptoms
- recurring fever or profuse night sweats
- profound and unexplained fatigue
- swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
- white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat
- pneumonia
- red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids
- memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders
How to Prevent the Spread of HIV Infection11
· Get an HIV test to protect yourself and others. Ensure that your partner knows his/her status
· Have open dialogue with your partner about safer sex practices
· Be sure to use a latex condom with each sexual encounter (oral, anal or vaginal). (Latex-free condoms should be used by those with latex allergies)
· 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 breastfeed.
Treatment[13]
There is no cure for HIV but there are treatment options that can help people living with HIV experience long and productive lives. To determine when to start and which treatment is appropriate, your doctor will need to take at least two blood tests:
· A viral load test to see how much HIV is in your bloodstream, and
· A T-cell test, also known as a CD4 count, which tests how strong your immune system is
Read more about these tests at http://www.thebody.com/content/art50043.html
[1] CDC HIV in the United States: An Overview. July 2010. Retrieved January 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/resources/factsheets/us_overview.htm
[2] Hall HI, Ruiguang S, Rhodes P, et al. Estimation of HIV incidence in the United States. JAMA. 2008;300:520-529.
[3] CDC HIV Prevention Strategic Plan extended through 2010, October 2007. Retrieved January 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/reports/psp/pdf/psp.pdf
[4] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2008). Subpopulation estimates from the HIV incidence surveillance system—United States, 2006. Morbidity and and MortalityWeekly Report, 57(36), 985–989.
[5] CDC National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Sexual Risk Behaviors. Retrieved January 2011 from http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/sexualbehaviors/index.htm
[6]CDC. Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance—United States, 2009. [pdf 3.5M] MMWR 2010;59(SS-5):1–142.
[7] Mosher W, Chandra A, Jones J. Sexual behavior and selected health measures: men and women 15-44 years of age, United States, 2002. Advance Data from Vital and Health Statistics September 15, 2005; Number 362:21-26.
[8] CDC. HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report, 2006. Atlanta: US Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; 2008;18:11.
[9] Weinstock H, Berman S, Cates W. Sexually transmitted diseases among American youth: Incidence and prevalence estimates, 2000. Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health 2004;36(1):6-10.
[10] Ventura SJ, Abma JC, Mosher WD, Henshaw SK. Recent trends in teenage pregnancy in the United States, 1990-2002. Health E-stats. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. Released December 13, 2006.
[11] Cichocki, M. About.com Guide HIV 101 – HIV information to Help you understand February 28, 2010, retrieved January 2011
[12] CDC, HIV/AIDS Basics November 6, 2006 retrieved January 2011 http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/qa/definitions.htm
[13] Goldman, B. The Body. HIV treatment 101 November 24, 2009 retrieved January 2011 from http://www.thebody.com/content/art50044.html