AIDS/HIV

By /

Memory
from Phantom of the Opera
by Andew Lloyd Weber

Circle of Light & Rev. Cassandra
want you to know about!
AIDS/HIV

Be they gay or straight;
male or female;
adult or child…
they are ALL Children of GOD!

FACTS:

  • Every minute, five young people around the world are infected with HIV.
  • An estimated 30.6 million people — about 29.5 million adults and 1.1 million children younger than 15 — are living with HIV/AIDS.
  • An estimated nine out of every 10 HIV-positive women living in developing countries do not know they are infected.
  • As of early 1998, 8.2 million children under the age of 15 had been orphaned worldwide because of the premature deaths of HIV-infected parents.
  • Heterosexual transmission accounts for more than 75% of all HIV infections worldwide.
  • It is estimated that, if current trends continue, 30-40 million people will have been infected with HIV by the year 2000.
  • Through 1997, cumulative HIV/AIDS-associated deaths worldwide numbered about 11.7 million. That includes 9 million adults and 2.7 million children.
  • In 1997 alone, HIV/AIDS-associated illnesses caused the deaths of about 2.3 million people worldwide, including an estimated 460,000 children under age 15.

Frequently Asked Questions

    What is AIDS?

    AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is a life-threatening illness caused by a virus, HIV. This virus attacks the immune system and leaves the body susceptible to deadly diseases called opportunistic infections. People who “die of AIDS” actually die from the infections that prey on their weakened immune systems.

    What is HIV?

    HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. You can become infected with the virus only by direct contact with an infected person’s blood, semen, vaginal secretions or breast milk. Since there is no known cure for HIV/AIDS, preventing infection can save your life.

    How does HIV spread?

    HIV enters the body through direct contact with the bloodstream or through the mucous membranes (the inside of the mouth or throat, lining of the rectum or walls of the vagina). The virus can enter your skin only if the skin is broken or cut and another person’s infected body fluids enter your bloodstream. HIV also can be carried from mother to child, before or after birth, or through breastfeeding.

    Can you get AIDS from everyday contact with a person who has HIV or AIDS?

    No. You won’t get infected by casual contact with someone living with HIV/AIDS. The virus isn’t transmitted through tears, saliva or sweat. You won’t get infected by touching toilet seats, doorknobs or eating utensils used by someone with HIV/AIDS. And the virus isn’t transmitted in the air, by sneezing or coughing.

    Who can be infected with HIV?

    Anyone can be infected. The virus doesn’t discriminate. People of all genders, races, ages and nationalities are at risk. HIV affects heterosexuals and homosexuals, young and old, men and women. People who are HIV-positive often do not develop AIDS until many years after they become infected. That’s why people who appear healthy can, without even knowing it, transmit the virus to others.

    What can I do to prevent being infected?

    Since the virus is transmitted by infected body fluids entering your body, the best way to prevent infection is to block that entrance. That means using condoms or dental dams during oral, anal and vaginal intercourse. You also can avoid infection by not sharing needles. People who work with or are exposed to blood should use latex gloves and other protective measures to prevent infection.

    RESOURCES

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