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Information on HIV & AIDS for Teenagers

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 1/4 of new HIV infections occur within the 13 to 24 year old age group. Education about HIV and AIDS is vital in reducing the number of new infections among this age group.

  1. Methods of HIV Transmission

    • HIV is transmitted through the exchange of bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. HIV cannot be contracted by holding hands, kissing, the sharing of food or drinks, using a toilet after an HIV-positive person, or through insect bites.

    Life Expectancy

    • HIV infection is a chronic condition. Though an HIV-positive individual will remain HIV-positive for the remainder of his life, with treatment he can expect to enjoy a relatively normal life span.

    Prevention

    • The only way to completely prevent HIV transmission is to abstain from sex and avoid IV drugs. Using latex condoms during sex reduces the chance of infection by up to 98 percent. Needles should not be shared for any reason.

    HIV Testing

    • HIV testing can be performed using an oral swab test that gives results in 20 minutes or via blood testing which can take up to two weeks for results to be returned. Additional testing may be required to confirm a positive result.

    HIV Treatment

    • HIV infection requires a combination drug therapy consisting of several types of antiretroviral medication to treat it. Once treatment is begun, doses should not be missed for any reason.

    Waves of Treatment

    • Missed doses of HIV medication can result in a treatment regimen becoming ineffective. If one treatment therapy fails, a new combination of drugs must be used to treat the infection.

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