HIV/AIDS EDUCATION

The Basics:  Definitions - Transmission - Protection - Testing

DEFINITIONS
What does HIV stand for and what does that tell us?
HIV stands for:
Human
Immunodeficiency
Virus
This tells us Three important things to remember.
1) It is only effects Humans. It is only transmit between Humans. Animals and insects are not effected by this disease, nor can they catch or transmit it.
2) It effects the Immune System. This is the bodies defense against sickness and disease. Deficiency means that it is tearing down that defense, leaving the body open to more infections and disease.
3) It is a Virus. Not a bacteria, fungus or genetic disorder - A Virus. Virus's are a specific pathogen (or disease carrier) that have certain definable characteristics. A virus's specific definition is: a submicroscopic pathogen consisting of a single core nucleic acid surrounded by a protein coat, having the ability to replicate only inside a living cell.

What does AIDS stand for and what does that tell us?
AIDS stands for:
Acquired
Immune
Deficiency
Syndrome
This tells us Three important things to remember.
1) You have to have done something to Acquire the Virus, it doesn't just happen. There are specific activities that expose a person to the Acquisition of this virus.
2) It effects the Immune System.
3) A Syndrome is a group of signs and symptoms that collectively indicate or characterize a disease, disorder, or other abnormal condition. This means that you have to show a defined set of signs and symptoms to be Diagnosed with this term.

What's the difference between HIV and AIDS?
HIV is the virus which can lead to a Doctor's Diagnosis of AIDS. 
You do not catch AIDS, you catch HIV.
You can have HIV, and not show any symptoms or signs of the virus, but still transmit it.
Only a Doctor can give a diagnosis of AIDS after finding that the patient has met the defined criteria for the Syndrome.

TRANSMISSION
How do you get HIV?

There are Four* Human Bodily Fluids that can transmit HIV. They are:
Blood - it flows through our entire body with multiple jobs.
Semen - the male ejaculatory fluid.
Vaginal fluids - the female lubricating and ejaculatory fluids.
Breast Milk - The leading cause of post-natal infant infections.
*There is one more - Spinal Fluid. This is not a fluid that the general public will have contact with. If you do, please become informed of the safety procedures you should follow.

HIV lives in these fluids. To catch HIV one of these fluids must have contact with your blood stream. HIV can be exposed to your blood stream in the following ways:
Open wounds - anything that is bleeding (even a little) is an access point to the blood stream.
Semi-permeable membranes - the body has several tissues that are designed to let things pass between them, and a virus is small enough to take advantage of this method. Membranes which can be exposed are; The inside of the mouth and esophagus (the throat), Tissues of the Anus, Vagina and Urethra (the penis), the Eyes and less commonly the Sinus tissues inside the nose.

Activities that make transmission possible.
Sex - Semen, Vaginal fluids (and to a degree blood) are exposed to many semi-permeable membranes and possible wounds involved in sexual activity.
Needle sharing - This is a blood to blood contact.

First (and only) Rule of Risk - A Risk is a Risk no matter how big or small - Do you want to take the chance? If you can't stand to lose it, then don't risk it. 

Transmission of HIV - The HIV/AIDS virus is transmit through contact with infected fluids (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, Breast milk) to your own blood stream. Contact with your blood stream is made by contact to your blood (from needles to wounds) or through the semi-permeable membranes of your body.  

Ask Yourself - Did a fluid that can sustain the HIV/AIDS virus make any kind of contact with my blood steam? (you now have accessed your risk)

The Guidelines page: Better descriptions of risk activities and suggestions for safer alternatives

How do I protect myself?

Decisions: Abstinence - Postponement - Judgment
Not participating in a risk activity is the only 100% way to avoid HIV. 
This is called Abstinence, but it is a decision made every time a risk activity is presented to you. Thus, Postponement is a term also used to show you are making a decision not to participate in a risk activity every time.
"I will not do this today." is the decision to postpone. It doesn't mean you have said you will never do the activity - just not this time. Not under these conditions. Not until it feels like it is the right thing to do and you are comfortable with the decision to proceed taking as many or few precautions as you feel necessary.
Your Judgment is your best tool for protection next to your education on the facts. Be aware of when your judgment might be impaired whether from alcohol or drugs, emotional stress, or peer pressure. Postpone and/or prepare for these moments so that you are still protected.

Barriers:
If you have decided to participate in a Risk Activity, there are barriers available to protect you from exposure to the virus.
A Barrier is anything that will prevent fluids with potential for HIV infection from contacting you.
Condoms: the most popular barrier, and the easiest to get a hold of. They are 99% effective in the reduction of STD's (including HIV) and pregnancy. "User Error" or "improper use" are the leading causes of failure. There are many different kinds. Here are some descriptions and guidelines for use.

Latex Condoms: They come in different Brands, varieties, and sizes. Latex is the most common substance that condoms are made of and the most readily available. Shop around and find the brands that best suit your (and your partners) needs.
Latex will break down in the presents of oil. ALWAYS use a WATER BASED Lubricant with Latex condoms - nothing oil based (like baby oil, Vaseline, or hand lotions). Also, spermicides are frequently included in some lubricants (Nonoxynal 9 is a common one) which was thought to reduce the risk of HIV transmission; This is not the case. Spermicides may be effective in birth-control, and may kill HIV as well, but it can also cause a rash which will promote the transmission of HIV.
    Draw back - Some people may have an allergic reaction to latex. This reaction can develop after extended or prolonged use. This reaction is most commonly seen as a rash, which will increase your chances for exposure to HIV. If this is the case, consult a doctor and look into the other barriers available.
Polyurethane Condoms: Somewhat more expensive and harder to come by, but every bit as effective as the Latex condom. Polyurethane is a plastic, so it doesn't matter what you chose to use as a lubricant (oil or water based) and is the best alternative for those suffering from a latex allergy.
Animal tissue Condoms: Such as Sheep's skin (actually made of lamb intestine) can be very expensive, and partly protective against pregnancy. They are said to feel more natural (because they are a tissue) and you can use any kind of lubricant.
    Draw back - they are made of a porous material (a semi-permeable membrane) that will NOT stop the spread of STD's including HIV. However, if this is your only option - something is better then nothing.

Female Condoms: These are made of Polyurethane and used in the female. It is a large tube with two flexible rings. It is inserted into the vagina, one ring resting against the cervix, the other holding it in place outside the labia.
    Advantages: For those with Latex allergies, this is an option. Since this is used by the Female, it gives her the choice to protect herself. It can be inserted up to 3 hours before use (so there isn't the excuse that it slows down the action). The Male can't wear a condom with this (the friction between the two could cause them both to break). Many women report that the outer ring stimulates the clitoris giving them more pleasure.
Draw backs - They are more expensive. They require a lot of lubricant and have been reported to make 'funny sounds'.

Dental Dams: This is simply a sheet of latex used as a barrier for oral sex (vaginally or anally). If you can't find any, cut the tip off a latex condom, then cut it up the side. You now have a sheet of latex that can be used. Since this is used for oral sex, (water based) flavored condoms or lubricants can be used.

Latex Gloves: This can be helpful in preventing the spread of HIV when handling blood (in a medical situation) or other possible infected fluids (especially if you have any open cuts or sores on your hands or around your fingernails)

Needles:

If a decision to use needles for any reason has been made, there are things you can do to protect yourself from HIV.
New Needles: Always use a new needle. Laws vary from State to State, but there are methods to obtain new needles so that you are always using a clean, new needle each time.
Don't Share Needles: If you can't use a new needle each time, don't share the needles. As long as you are the only one using the needle (or works - everything associated with the use of the needle) then you can't gain a new infection.
Cleaning the Needles: If you must share the needle, clean it between each use. This is not 100%, but it is better then nothing. Bleach is recommended, but alcohol will work (something is better then nothing).
    Procedure: Get three containers. Fill one with bleach (1), one with clean water (2) leave the other empty (3). Draw the bleach (1) into the needle and barrel, shake it for 90 seconds. Expel the bleach into the empty container (3). Draw clean water (2) into the needle and barrel, shake it for 90 seconds. Expel the water into the third container (3). Repeat this two more times (total of three times bleach, three times water). ALWAYS END WITH WATER.

Something is better then Nothing:

You've seen me use this phrase several times in this page. That is when it comes to protecting yourself the only thing that is 100% effective is abstinence or postponement. Everything else is a decision with risks involved. Once you become educated as to how the virus is transmit and understand when you are coming in contact with a risk, you can determine which methods you need to protect yourself. If you are in a situation where you have to 'improvise' some protection, then something is better then nothing.
If you don't have a dental dam, saran wrap will work.
If you don't have a condom, the finger of a latex glove, saran wrap or even the cellophane from a cigarette package is better then nothing.
It isn't recommended - but if it is all you have, take the chance to protect yourself.

GET TESTED!

HIV testing does NOT detect the virus. It detects the anti-bodies you develop in response to the virus.
You can not know if you are HIV Positive without a test. If you have had any risk exposure you should get tested. There are many ways to get tested - please look into them.( I recommend going to your Doctor or Local Health agencies over the 'Home Tests' - they are more accurate and counseling is available to help answer questions and concerns.)
One Test is not enough - HIV testing only shows if you have the virus - not if you have been exposed. It takes up to 6 months for the virus to show up in the test. A Negative result does not mean you don't have the virus - it means you didn't have it 6 months ago. A Negative result doesn't mean you can't or won't get the virus if you engage in risk activities - it means you haven't gotten it yet. It isn't just your health that is effected - it's everyone you have a risk contact with.

Don't guess.      Don't assume.     KNOW!      Get Tested!

Here is another page Dedicated to answering and alleviating concerns about HIV Testing.

It includes information on the test - the different kinds of tests - Other personal experiences about getting tested and more.

If you would like to contribute your thoughts - please send them to misfit@misfitslife.com

THIS HAS BEEN AN HIV PREVENTION PAGE. SO PLEASE, REMEMBER TO -