About AIDS
AIDS
is not easy to get! Casual contact will not transmit AIDS.Doctors and
nurses who are around AIDS patients every day have not gotten AIDS.
Hundreds of families of AIDS patients have been studied, and findings
indicate that although family members kiss and hug, share toothbrushes,
eating utensils, food, toilets and beds, no one gets AIDS from this
kind of contact. Blood supplies used in hospitals are now safe because
all blood is now tested for exposure to the AIDS virus. (You may hear
of people who contracted AIDS this way before the test was available.)
AIDS is transmitted in specific ways. Any kind of intimate
sexual contact--including vaginal or anal intercourse and oral-genital
sex--can transmit the AIDS virus. Sharing a needle during drug use without
sterilizing the needle can transmit the AIDS virus. Medical
procedures such as acupuncture, beauty procedures such
as ear piercing or electrolysis, and dental procedures all require sterilization
of instruments used.
How can you decrease the risk of getting AIDS? Using
a condom reduces the risk during sexual activity. The condom provides
a barrier against the AIDS virus--however, some research indicates that
there may still be some risk. Reducing the number of sex partners reduces
risk. Making sure that appropriate procedures are used to sterilize
equipment in medical, beauty or dental procedures helps to reduce the
risk of getting AIDS. These steps involve an assertive stand toward
sexual activity and health care.
If you think you may have been exposed to the AIDS
virus, you can have a blood test. This test shows whether you have been
exposed to the virus. It does not indicate whether or not you will contract
AIDS. In New York City, the test is free (although a doctor may charge
a fee for examining you). Ask your doctor to call the AIDS Hot line
at (212)447-8200 for information about the test.
If you or someone you care about has any concerns related
to AIDS and would like more information, come in and speak with a professional
counselor in 0203 James Hall, or visit the Health Clinic in 114 Roosevelt.
All
services are free and confidential.
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