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Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays
DO I NEED TO WORRY ABOUT HIV, AIDS, HEPATITIS, Etc.? THE SHORT ANSWER: Everybody has to be informed about HIV (AIDS) and other sexually transmitted infections (STI).
It's not who you are - gay or straight, male or female, a person of colour or white, city dweller, rural based or living in a small town - but unsafe sexual practices or blood exchange with an infected person that puts you at risk for HIV infection.
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a disease caused by a virus. That virus, named HIV (Human Immuno-Virus), destroys the body's immune system, making a person susceptible to fatal illnesses or infections. There is no known cure and there is no vaccine yet that prevents HIV/AIDS (only understanding what is risky and what isn't and practicing safer sex if you are being sexual can do that). Several new drugs have recently been developed that allow some people with HIV/AIDS to live longer and with better health.
There are three main ways you can become infected with HIV:
by having unprotected sex with an infected person;
by sharing drug needles or syringes with an infected person; or
an infected woman can pass the virus to her baby during pregnancy or birth.
Any blood to blood contact can be risky - if someone wants a piercing, they should go to a commercial piercing salon or, at the very least, ensure sterile conditions are met (one fresh, clean needle per person only).
Just because someone looks healthy and attractive does not guarantee they are not HIV+. In fact, "looking sick" often does not occur until after full blown AIDS has manifested itself.
You can protect yourself. Do not share needles or syringes. Before you become sexually active with a new partner, talk to him or her. Assume they are HIV+ and act accordingly. The one sure way to avoid HIV infection through sex is not to have sex. Gay or straight, if you are sexually active, learn about "safer sex" to protect yourself. Safer sex practices include latex, female condoms or dental dams to prevent the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
For more information, contact the AIDS Committee of North Bay and Area (ACNBA).
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