Body & Soul
HIV / AIDS Prevention and Facts:
by Randi Reed
Did you know that AIDS is the #1 cause of death for black women between
the ages of 25-34? Or that it only takes one time of unprotected sex with
one partner to contract HIV? Or that over a quarter of a million people in
the U.S. don't even know they have HIV because it can live in the body for
many years before symptoms present themselves? Here's the real deal on how
to protect yourself (and your partner).
• PREVENTION: Use a latex condom every time you have sex. Those with latex
allergies can use polyethylene condoms. Lambskin (“natural”) condoms are not
effective protection against HIV (the virus that causes AIDS), or other
STDs.
FACT: Latex condoms are not 100% effective against HIV. But for sexually
active people they are the most effective option aside from a long-term,
monogamous relationship with a non-infected person.
• PREVENTION: Use water-based lubricants (such as KY) with latex condoms.
Oil-based or petroleum-based lubricants should never be used with latex.
(For those allergic to latex, oil-based lubricants can be used with
polyethylene condoms.)
FACT: Oil-based or petroleum-based lubricants such as Vaseline break down
latex and make latex condoms “virtually useless” in preventing HIV (the
virus that causes AIDS) and other STDs. (Source: AMFAR website.)
• PREVENTION: Use of dental dams or condoms during oral sex is recommended
by the CDC.
FACT: Contrary to popular belief it is possible to get HIV, the virus that
causes AIDS, from unprotected oral sex. Fewer cases have resulted from oral
sex than from intercourse, but risk increases with canker sores, bleeding
gums caused by flossing or overzealous tooth brushing, or other cuts or
sores in the mouth, or genital sores caused by other STDs.
• PREVENTION: Piercings and tattoos should only be done at reputable shops
with new sterile packaged equipment, personnel wearing a new pair of latex
gloves.
PREVENTION: Tattoo artists and piercing attendants should properly and
thoroughly dispose of needles to prevent possible spread of HIV by
accidental needle sticks.
FACT: Infectious HIV can survive in a syringe for a month or more, according
to lab studies.
• PREVENTION: People who inject drugs, including insulin or steroids, should
never reuse or share needles. Where no other alternative exists,
disinfecting used syringes and needles with bleach according to instructions
on the CDC website can reduce HIV transmission somewhat.
PREVENTION: People who inject drugs, including insulin or steroids, should
properly and thoroughly dispose of needles to prevent possible spread of HIV
by accidental needle sticks.
FACT: Infectious HIV can survive in a syringe for a month or more, according
to lab studies.
Resources and further information:
AMFAR (American Foundation for AIDS Research) website:
http://www.amfar.org
CDC Website:
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv
CDC (Center for Disease Control) National AIDS
hotline (Answers questions about HIV testing and can refer you to
testing sites in your area, toll-free, 24/7):
1-800-342-2437 (English)
1-800-344-7432 (Spanish)
1-800-243-7889 (TTY/deaf access)
Editor’s note:
Although both websites were helpful in preparing
this article, I found AMFAR’s website more helpful than
the CDC’s website. The CDC’s prevention information stressed abstinence and,
in my opinion, did not adequately address the concerns of singles who are
not in a monogamous relationship, or those of gay men. AMFAR’s prevention
tips were far more practical, realistic, and non-judgmental.
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