AIDS the acquired immune deficiency syndrome is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV. With the HIV virus your body’s immune system becomes weak and this makes it easier to catch other diseases and infections. HIV can be transmitted from one person to another through body fluids. The way this most often happens is through sexual contacts either by oral, vaginal and/or anal sex where a condom is not used.
It can also be transmitted by sharing a needle with an infected person. Mothers can pass the disease on to unborn children through blood and/or after birth by breast feeding.
AIDS is not a disease that only affects homosexuals. For females, heterosexual sex is the most common source of infection. Currently more men catch AIDS than females but the rates of infection for females are on the rise. Besides abstinences, condoms are the best means of protection against this disease.
Alcohol and Drugs
The risk for HIV infection is increase with alcohol and/or drug consumption. This is especially true of injected drugs. Users get the disease when they share needles and syringes. Of course with alcohol and drugs, inhibitions are lowered and poor choices which lead to risks are often taken. This may include not only sharing a needle but also having unprotected sex.
As stated earlier, not having sex is the best way to keep from acquiring the virus. For teens that have chosen to be sexually active preventive measures should be taken to lower a risk of an infection.
As a teen that is sexually active alchohol and drugs should be avoided. Both of these can make you chose to do things that you normally would not do. Intercourse should be limited to one partner and a latex condom should be used at all times.
A large majority of young people who have tested positive for HIV have been infected sexually. In the past 10 years, as more teens have been aware of the risks the number of infected teens has dropped significantly. The second most common source of HV is through sharing infected needles. This is not limited to drug use but also crosses over to needles shared in steroid drug injection, tattooing, or body piercing.
Due to the advances in medicine and education most people who have the disease now live much longer and better lives, however it is still a disease that is incurable.
Know the Signs
A teen that has already had unprotected sex or feels that he or she might have been exposed needs to understand that it is very unlikely that they have HIV, the best way to find out for sure is to be tested by a physician. The following are some signs that might indicate someone has been exposed to the virus:
- Short-term memory loss
- Lack of energy
- Weight loss
- Frequent fevers and sweats
- Persistent skin rashes
- Swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
- Severe herpes infections that cause mouth , genital, or anal sores
It should not be assumed that the disease has been contracted if the symptoms mentioned are present. Many of these symptoms are present with other disease or illnesses. The best way to eliminate HIV is to be tested. Health departments as well as your own personal physician can check for the virus. Confidentially is always provided and test results are never made public.
Teens that someone who has already contracted the virus or who might be exposing themselves to a risky lifestyle can possibly help save a life. If you see someone that you feel might be putting them at risk, be a real friend. Encourage your friend to stop using substance and/or seek professional help. It is possible that you will save a life.
IF more information is needed:
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/
Brenda Gargus - Brenda Gargus has a Masters' degree in Psychology and an undergraduate degree in Education. She has taught for 29 years in a variety of ...
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