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Take The Test
Please answer True or False to each of the following questions to test your AIDS awareness:
(Taken from: "AIDS Education and Awareness Program" Canadian Public Health Association)
| 1. The AIDS virus can be spread by shaking hands. |
| 2. AIDS can be passed on to another person during sex. |
| 3. Pregnant women can pass the AIDS virus on to their unborn child. |
| 4. A person can get AIDS by donating blood. |
| 5. It is possible to get AIDS from a toilet seat. |
| 6. AIDS is spread by kissing. |
| 7. At this time, there is no cure for AIDS. |
| 8. The AIDS virus is carried in the blood. |
| 9. Drug users can pass on the AIDS virus to other drug users if they share
needles. |
| 10. Only men can become infected by the AIDS virus. |
| 11. You should avoid touching a person with AIDS. |
| 12. It is risky to use the same water fountain as a person who has AIDS. |
| 13. If you are strong and healthy you can't get AIDS. |
| 14. AIDS means Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. |
| 15. You can tell by looking at someone whether that person has the AIDS virus. |
| ANSWERS: |
| 1=F, 2=T, 3=T, 4=F, 5=F, 6=F, 7=T, 8=T, 9=T, 10=F, 11=F, 12=F, 13=F, 14=T, 15=F. |
How did you make out with the questionnaire? If you find that you need to learn more about AIDS please go to the following site.What is AIDS? Who gets it?
Get The Facts
- AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a disease characterized by the breakdown of
the body's immune system as a result of infection with the the human immunodeficiency virus,
(HIV) often referred to as the AIDS virus.
- Research to date has confirmed that the virus is transmitted in three ways:
a) through vaginal, anal, and possibly, oral intercourse with a person infected with HIV;
b) through direct entry of infected blood or blood components into the blood stream,
particularly by sharing needles and syringes with an infected person;
c) from mother to child in utero, during childbirth or through breast feeding.
- No vaccine exists to provide immunity, nor is there a cure for AIDS or HIV infection.
Recent tests with experimental drugs have shown promise that the course of the disease can be
slowed
- Several years may pass before an infected person shows clinical symptoms of HIV infection
or AIDS.
- Numerous scientific studies have shown that the AIDS virus, HIV, is not spread by indirect
or casual contact (for example sneezing, shaking hands, hugging, perfunctory kissing or being
in the same classroom with someone who is infected.
- Latex condoms, when properly used, have been shown to be effective as a barrier to HIV but
they are not fool proof. When used with contraceptive jelly, cream or foam containing
spermicides, condoms are believed to be the most effective means for preventing HIV spread
among persons who engage in sexual intercourse and who are now maintaining a mutually,
monogamous relationship.
Taken from: AIDS/HIV Education. Canadian Association of School
Administrators.
AIDS/HIV Prevention
- The most effective way to avoid getting HIV/AIDS is to not have sex. Virginity is becoming a popular choice for today's youth.
- To avoid getting AIDS always use a latex condom when you engage in sexual relations. If you want to stop using a condom with your regular partner, you must BOTH pass STD screening tests and wait until the physician assures you that neither of you is infected with such a disease. However, always use a condom if you have sexual relations with other partners.
- Be especially careful when you consume alcohol or take drugs, as you may forget to use a condom or be inclined to share needles to inject drugs.
- Avoid taking drugs, in particular injectable drugs. If you do use drugs, NEVER re-use needles.
- Ultimately the choice to use condoms is up to you. Remember that decisions to use condoms are based on more than just caring for someone. Think about things, talk about things, and be honest with yourself and your partner. Your life depends upon it.
Taken from: AIDS Committee of Toronto
Safe Sex Guidelines
Safer:
Body massage, hugging, social dry kissing, masturbation, any body-to-body rubbing where there are no cuts, scrapes or open areas in the skin.
Low-Risk Behaviors:
Oral sex if you have no cuts or open sores in your mouth and don't swallow your partner's semen or vaginal fluids, deep kissing, vaginal or anal sex with a condom or dam properly used.
High-Risk Behaviors:
Vaginal or anal intercourse without using a condom or dam, oral-anal contact, sharing sex-toys such as dildos, vibrators, etc..., sex act if the partner is bleeding.
Taken from: ACCESS-The AIDS Committee of Sudbury.
Youth Speak Out
Male, age 20: "The AIDS information all over the college is scary stuff. Besides having no sex at all, condoms are the best way to go."
Male, age 21: "To be honest, not much."
Male, age 18: "At the gym where I lift weights, I see some guys sharing needles. I'm not into 'roids but it's a fact of working out. The good thing is, ever since these posters went up about used needles and AIDS, the guys don't share them anymore."
Female, age 19: "I'm waiting till I'm married. But that doesn't mean I don't have fun. You know, there's always kissing and massages..."
Female, age 20: "If the moment presents itself, I use a condom. I don't take any chances."
HIV/AIDS Related Links
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The Youth Online Club ©Shauna Lee De Feyter, 1997-2008 http://www.youthonline.ca/
