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“Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)”
Definition: A usually fatal disease complex caused by the human
immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which prevents body’s immune system from
functioning properly. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Transmissions:
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can be transmitted by any practice
that results in direct bloodstream contact with an infected partner’s body
fluids (that is, semen or blood). Specifically, human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) is transmitted by sexual contact with a person who has the
virus, by transfusion with infected blood or blood products, and by use of
a needle, syringe or cooker that has been infected with the virus by an IV
drug user.
Avoiding Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) - Safer
Sex
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The only way to avoid sexual transmission of HIV AIDS is to refrain from
any sexual activities that expose your bloodstream to the fluid or tissue
of anyone who is infected with HIV or who is at risk of HIV infection.
Partners who have shared a mutual monogamous relationship for 10 years or
more and are not infected with the virus are considered to be at no risk.
Others must practice safer sex. Mutual masturbation, kissing and hugging
pose no risk. If you or your partner are or have been at risk for HIV
infection, you must use a condom with
spermicide
each
and every time you have vaginal or anal intercourse, which present the
greatest risk for HIV infection of all sexual activities. Oral sex and
oral-anal contact also carry risk of infection, making use of a latex
condom
spermicide
necessary every time you have
fellatio. The
spermicide may be put inside the condom before putting the
condom on as further protection the condom breaks. For
cunnilingus, a rubber dam, a thin rubber sheet that comes
in different thicknesses, used originally in dentistry, is recommended as
a safeguard. In order to be an effective protection, the rubber sheet must
be laid open and must cover the outside of the entire vulva.
It is very important that you
know your partner’s history and as much as you can about his or her past
partners. Bear in mind that anyone, male or female, who has had unprotected
sexual contact as long ago as 1890 with male or female partner’s is at risk.
Those who have shared needles, syringe, bulbs, cookers, or other drug
paraphernalia are also at risk. Caution should be exercised as well if you
may be a recipient of blood, sperm, organs, or tissues that may have come
from persons at risk. |
