HIV / AIDS Info

What is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that targets and breaks down the body’s immune system. Since the immune system is the body’s way of protecting itself from disease, when it is compromised the body becomes susceptible to serious infections and cancers.

What is AIDS?
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the condition that occurs when the body develops one or more of these serious infections or illnesses.

How Is HIV Spread?
HIV is present in semen (including pre-ejaculate), vaginal fluids, blood and breast milk. The virus is transmitted from one person to another through these fluids. Activities that spread the virus include, but are not limited to: oral, vaginal and anal sex; sharing or using used needles; mother-child transmission during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding; and accidental needlestick injuries and other blood-to-blood contact.

How Do I Protect Myself from HIV?
Use a new condom and water-based lube during anal or vaginal sex

Use a condom or barrier device such as a dental dam during oral sex

Don't share needles if possible. If not, clean needles with water 3x, bleach 3x, and water 3x again, before and after each use

Avoid any uneccesary blood-to-blood contact.