* FACT: The number of teens diagnosed with AIDS is increasing rapidly.
* FACT: Teens infected with the disease may not show signs of it until their mid
20's.
* FACT: There is a huge increase in cases of AIDS among drug users, especially women
and people of color.


WHAT IS AIDS?

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by a virus that weakens and eventually destroys the body's ability to fight off disease. It is infections and
cancers that kills the person diagnosed with AIDS.

Once the virus is contracted, the person may develop AIDS at any time in his or
her life (months or years later). Even though the person may be symptom free, he or she can infect others. The only way to determine if you have the AIDS virus is to take the AIDS antibody test.

There is no cure or vaccine for the AIDS virus yet. Studies have shown the incubation (the time fro exposure to the AIDS virus until symptoms develop) can be as long as 15 years. Research indicates that the AIDS virus will be fatal to all of the people who are infected by it.

HOW CAN YOU GET AIDS?

The AIDS virus is carried in the blood and is present in body fluids. The only way someone can be infected is if he or she comes in contact with the blood or body fluids of someone carrying the AIDS virus.

AIDS is transmitted through sexual contact. It is also spread through the sharing of hypodermic needles used for drugs.

Infected pregnant women can pass the virus to their unborn child, to their child during birth, after birth and by breastfeeding.

Receiving contaminated blood transfusions can also transmit the virus, although this has been greatly reduced by screening programs.

HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF?

Since AIDS is transmitted sexually, you can make a choice about whether to have sex or not.
If you choose to have sex, you should protect yourself from getting AIDS by using a latex condom.

Anyone who has unprotected sex, risks AIDS, and the more partners they have, the greater the risk of them getting infected.

Do not share hypodermic needles, for drugs or any other use. Sharing needles is a major way to get AIDS, since this makes it possible for someone else's infected blood to enter your bloodstream.

Learn more about this author, Louise Tucker.
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