AIDS: How to Protect Yourself and Others

Facts about HIV/AIDS

What is HIV/AIDS?
Protect Yourself from AIDS
Reduce your risk of getting AIDS
Other important considerations
It's your choice
Community resources
HIV testing...is it for me? Take the self-assessment...

AIDS in Georgia:

Georgia ranks 8th in the U.S. in cases of AIDS.
45 percent of the women with AIDS in Georgia become infected through sex with infected men.
AIDS is the leading cause of death for African American men and women ages 20-44 in Georgia.
AIDS is spreading as rapidly in rural areas and small cities in Georgia as it is in Atlanta.
Young adults age 20 to 29 have accounted for 20 percent of all AIDS cases reported in Georgia from 1981 through June 2003.

"Getting an HIV test was such an important step for me. I was starting a new relationship and we both decided to get checked out. What a relief to know we are both okay. I feel so hopeful for the future."
--Janine, an African-American woman

You also should know:

HIV symptoms take an average of 10 years to appear, which indicates a large number of people are infected before the age of 25.
The fastest growing method of HIV transmission for both men and women in the U.S. is through heterosexual contact.
STIs (sexually transmitted infections) including gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphillis, increase the risk of transmitting or acquiring HIV from an infected partner through unprotected sex.
Use of drugs and/or alcohol impairs a person's willingness and ability to postpone sex or use condoms and other precautions while having sex.
Infants born to HIV infected mothers have a 20-25 percent risk of becoming infected during pregnancy or delivery.*
Anonymous HIV counseling/testing is offered through the Health Promotion Dept. (706-542-8690) at the University Health Center

*Risk of HIV transmission from mother to child is reduced to 1-2 percent if the mother is taking prescribed HIV medications.

What is HIV/AIDS? | top

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) infects people by entering the bloodstream after direct contact with semen, vaginal fluids, or blood from an infected person. Virtually all HIV-infected persons will eventually develop AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), although the time from HIV infection to AIDS can range from 2 to 15 years. People with AIDS usually die from serious infections because the virus permanently invades special blood cells which work to fight off infections and rid the body of cancerous cells. There is no cure at present, but there are medications to prolong the lives of infected people.

Q: How can you tell if someone is infected with the AIDS virus?
A: You can't!

A person infected with HIV can feel and appear well for up to 10-15 years but still be able to spread the virus to others during this time.

Many people are infected but do not know it. Others may suspect they carry the virus but are afraid to be tested. Others may not be honest about their HIV infection, their sexual/drug history or pretend that they have been tested when they have not.

"I had a friend who tested positive for HIV. That really scared me, but also made me want to get tested. My test came back negative. I feel lucky and grateful."
--Marcus, a gay man

Protect Yourself from AIDS | top

All people who are having sexual intercourse need to take steps to protect themselves and others from HIV. Consider your risk of infection.

Highest Risk of Infection

Unprotected (without a condom) anal intercourse
Unprotected vaginal intercourse
Sharing needles for any reason (injecting any drug, including steroids)
Unprotected sexual contact with multiple partners
Unprotected sexual contact with someone whose sexual history is unknown

Moderate Risk of Infection

Unprotected oral sex (mouth on genitals without a condom or dental dam)
Attempted protected sexual contact using a condom, but due to tearing/breaking or the condom slipping, some body fluids were possibly exchanged

Lower Risk of Infection

Oral sex with a condom or dental dam
Deep (French) kissing when blood may be present

No Risk of Infection

Abstinence from vaginal, anal and oral sex
Hugging, touching and massaging
Mutual masturbation (no cuts or sores on hands)
Any sex with a long-term partner who has never used injectable drugs, is monogamous and is HIV negative. Both partners should be tested for HIV before any unprotected sexual contact.

You Cannot Get AIDS From . . .

Hugging/touching a person with HIV
Using any equipment, touching any surface or using a toilet after a person who is HIV positive
A mosquito bite

Note: Because of the presence of blood, it is not a good idea to share razors or toothbrushes with HIV-infected individuals.

Reduce Your Risk of Getting AIDS | top

Abstain from sex until you can enter into a long-term monogamous relationship with an uninfected person who does not inject drugs. Be sure you are only having sex with each other.

If you are not certain that your sex partner is uninfected and monogamous, use latex condoms every time—start to finish—using a water-soluble lubricant (such as KY Jelly).

Condoms lubricated with spermicide can cause irritation in the genital area. This can actually increase the chance of HIV infection. Condoms lubricated with spermicide are no more effective in preventing pregnancy. Use only water-based lubricants - never spermicide.

Don't use drugs. If you do, don't share needles. If you use drugs or excessive alcohol and can't stop, get help.

Note: When to have an HIV test is determined by the last possible exposure to HIV (unprotected sexual contact,
needle sharing, etc.)

4 weeks to 3 months after a possible exposure the test is up to 90% accurate*
3 months after a possible exposure the test is approximately 97% accurate
6 months after a possible exposure the test is approximately 99.8% accurate

*While testing at this time is a good indicator of HIV status, a repeat of this test may be needed to confirm the results.

Creating Intimacy in a World With AIDS
Many people want a relationship where they can safely share their feelings and sometimes their bodies. Being intimate with someone does not necessarily mean you are having sex. The more connection you feel with your partner the easier it will be to share your views on safer sex. If a person is turned off by your need for safety, she/he may not be a good long-term partner for you.

A diagnosis of a sexually transmitted infection (including herpes, genital warts, syphilis, gonorrhea or chlamydia) poses increased risk of HIV because of breaks in the protective skin barrier that may allow access for the virus.

If you are in a sexual relationship this would be important information to discuss with your partner.

If you are considering having sex with someone new, discuss this information with him or her ahead of time. Many couples are wisely choosing to get HIV tested anonymously and share their results with each other before they have sex.

If you anticipate getting pregnant and feel you may have any risk for carrying HIV infection, get tested before you conceive. If your test is positive, postpone pregnancy and consult a doctor knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS.

"This test has been a powerful experience. Not only did I find out that I am HIV negative, but I realized I am a strong person who can face anything."
--Chris, a heterosexual man

Other Important Considerations | top

People with HIV need your help and/or emotional support in dealing with this emotionally and financially devastating disease.

HIV infection will not be eliminated by judgment or discrimination against those who are infected. Fear of recrimination will only discourage people from being tested or being honest about their infection, which will in turn hasten the spread of the disease. Protect those who are already infected from further harm.

Children and HIV
Whether you have children or not, this information may be helpful in preparing your children, or those you may have in the future, to deal with the AIDS crisis.

Remember, the best gift you can give them is the knowledge and the skills to take care of themselves by making healthy choices. It is very important to share information with your children that will help them make life-and-death decisions. By age 4 they should know correct anatomic names for body parts. By age 7 they should know about HIV and how it is contracted. By age 11 they should understand reasons for postponing sexual involvement. They must develop the skills to assert themselves regarding sex and drugs in the face of peer pressure.

If you have children, consider what your response to this important question might be: "When is it OK to have sex?" Issues to discuss might include: making sure no harm would come to yourself or your partner; what would happen if pregnancy or infections occurred; and whether or not guilt feelings might occur before, during, or after sex.

Please Teach Others About AIDS
Share this information with other people. You may help save a life. Help reduce irrational panic and resulting discrimination against HIV-infected people.

It's Your Choice | top

As a member of The University of Georgia campus, you have a right to know the facts about HIV infection. You also have the responsibility to use that knowledge when making choices that will affect your quality of life. HIV infection affects every aspect of your well-being—not just your physical health, but your emotional, social, professional, and spiritual health as well.

"HIV seems so final. Sometimes I feel like it would just be easier not to know if I am positive or negative. Of course treatment for HIV today has greatly improved. I know if I am positive finding out as soon as possible would be a smart thing to do. If I am negative, I can take the steps to stay that way. Whatever the end result, I know I will handle it."
--Ann, rape survivor, age 18

We are all members of a generation at risk. You are not immune from the effects of HIV on your health, the health of your classmates, and the health of your culture.

Your best defense against HIV will be the behavioral choices you make. And the choices you make are based on a) how you value yourself, b) your ability to communicate your needs, and c) the knowledge you share with your friends and classmates.

Knowledge is nothing without action. Confront these health-related issues. Challenge yourself to understand the reasons behind your behavior; ask questions and seek counsel to troubleshoot on your own behalf. Learn about the risks and options. And learn the rewards of empowering yourself and your university community.

You have a choice to make about your well-being. Make it based on knowledge, self-worth, and action.

Community Resources | top

Anonymous Testing is low-cost and protects your privacy. Anyone who is concerned they may have been exposed to HIV can receive Rapid Anonymous HIV Testing through the Health Promotion Department at the University Health Center. Appointments are made on a first-name basis only in order to assure anonymity.

This service includes counseling so that those being tested will understand why the test is given and what the results will tell them. Education on behavioral risk factors and prevention is also provided. Information about support services is available for those seeking additional resources.

Results are available in less than one hour. No needles are required for this test. Traditional bloodwork may be required in certain situations.

There is a $35 cash charge.

This test is strictly anonymous. No record of the patient's name is kept and test results are not recorded in the patient's medical record. For more information, or to arrange an appointment, call 706-542-8690.

Every county in Georgia offers testing at the health department.

For more information, call:

The University Health Center
Health Promotion Department: 706-542-8690
AIDS Athens: 706-542-AIDS
AID Atlanta: 1-800-551-2728
National Aids Hotline: 1-800-342-AIDS
National Drug Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP