How is HIV contracted?
There are only 4 WAYS which HIV can be contracted.
1) Any type of unprotected (oral, , or anal).
2) Sharing needles.
3) Blood to blood contact.
4) Mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breast feeding.

Can two people without HIV contract it?
NO - in order for HIV to be spread an infected individual person must come into contacted with someone who does not have the disease.

What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME. AIDS is a disease you get when HIV destroys your body's immune system.

When does HIV become AIDS?
HIV becomes AIDS. after the infected person develops one of the CDC defined AIDS indicator illnesses
and/or when the person's CD4 count drops below 200.

How do I protect myself from getting HIV/AIDS?
• Do not share any needles or syringes. (used for drug use, body piercing, steroids)
• Do not share razors or toothbrushes.
• If you have ALWAYS use a latex (every time you have )
   and only have one partner.
• Educate yourself.
• Get all the facts.
• Talk to your partner about their history BEFORE you have .

How do I tell if I or someone I know has HIV/AIDS?
The only sure way to know you have HIV/AIDS is to get tested regularly (every 3 months).

How do I talk to my friends, family, partners about STD/HIV/AIDS?
• Find a natural opening.
• Start by telling what you know and then find out what they know.
• Recognize that it is a tough subject to talk about.
• Be honest and straightforward.
• When talking to a partner let them know you are concerned for both
   of you that is why you want to talk about it.

Will a keep me safe from contracting STD/HIV/AIDS?
Although are a good way to help prevent the spreading or contracting of STDs, HIV and AIDS they are only 98% effective. The best way to be 100% safe is to not have .

Is there a cure for HIV/AIDS?
Although there is no cure there are medications that extend the life of a person who is living with HIV and/or AIDS. These medicines are not always effective for every person and sometimes have serious side effects.

Can STDs be cured?
Almost all STDs can be cured with the right medication and/or antibiotics.

What can I do to protect myself from contracting STDs?
• The only 100% sure way to be protected is to abstain form having . But, if you choose to have
   you should:
• ALWAYS use a .
• Try to have a monogamous relationship.

If I'm on the pill do I still need to use ?
YES - the pill only protects you against pregnancy it does not protect you from contracting STDs.

Can anyone get a STD?
YES - anyone who is active can contract an STD. However, nearly 2/3 of STDs occur in people under the age of 25.

What should I do if I think I have a STD?
Since most STDs have no sure symptoms you should be checked for STDs regularly especially if you think you may have contracting one. Remember the sooner you get treatment for STDs the safer you and your partners will be.

What are the STDs out there?
There are many STDs but the most common include: HIV/AIDS, Chlamydia, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, Gonorrhea, Syphilis, Vaginitis.

Where can I get tested for HIV?
You can call the National HIV/STD hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-42-AIDS or
1-800-227-8922 or check your local phone book for testing centers.

How long should I wait after possible exposure to HIV should I wait
to get tested?
You should get tested right away. Since HIV may not show up in the body for several months you should continue to get tested about every 3 months as long as you are active.

Can I get HIV from Oral ?
YES - HIV can be passed through any genital secretions.

Can I get HIV from kissing?
You can NOT get HIV through closed mouthed kissing and it is very rare that the disease is passed through open-mouthed kissing.

Who can I talk to about my health?
You might first consider talking with a parent. Believe it or not, parents have real-life experience and will likely understand what you're going through. If you're not comfortable with a parent, consider talking to another trusted adult, like a teacher or school nurse. Talking with your friends about these important topics is fine, too. Just be sure you're avoiding the rumors and getting the truth. Your life could depend
on it.