December 1st was World AIDS Day, a time to learn the facts, decrease stigma, and make sure everyone has access to care they deserve. HIV/AIDS has been impacting communities since the early 1980s, and while treatments have come a long way, it’s still important to stay aware and informed.
Why Does HIV/AIDS Matter Today?
Since the first case was reported in 1981, HIV/AIDS has caused millions of deaths worldwide. Even though new infections have decreased since 2005, 1.3 million people were newly diagnosed in 2023, which means education and prevention still matter.
HIV/AIDS affects people across all backgrounds, but systematic issues like racism, poverty, and discrimination mean that people of color, gay, and bisexual men, and transgender women are affected more than others. Limited access to healthcare, safe housing, and stable income can make prevention and treatment harder to get.
Which is why TeenSource wants to put a spotlight on the syndrome and everything there is to know about it!
How is HIV Transmitted?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system, specifically the white blood cells that help your body fight sickness.
HIV spreads through certain bodily fluids:
- Blood
- Semen
- Pre-Ejaculation
- Vaginal Fluids
- Breast Milk
The most common ways HIV is transmitted include:
- Unprotected vaginal or anal sex
- Oral sex (less common, but still possible)
- Sharing needles
- Contact with infected blood
If HIV isn’t treated, it can turn into AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which weakens the immune system so much that the body can’t fight infections. Although it can take years for HIV to develop into AIDs, it is important to get tested regularly to ensure you do not have HIV/AIDs or you can receive treatment as fast as you can.
Myth vs Facts
There are common misconceptions for how HIV/AIDs are spread, which are listed below. Here’s what does NOT spread it.
✖️ Hugging, shaking hands, or causal physical contact
✖️ Sharing food, drinks, dishes, or clothes
✖️ Bug bites (mosquitos don’t spread HIV)
✖️ Saliva, tear or sweat
✖️ Breathing the same air
✖️ Swimming in the same pool
If someone in your life has HIV, you don’t need to avoid them. Support and kindness go a long way into caring after our communities.
Symptoms to Look Out For
About 13% of people with HIV/AIDs are unaware they have it. Even though these are some symptoms of HIV/AIDs, they can become hard to determine from other sicknesses, which is why it is so important to get tested!
- Sick and flu-like symptoms
- Rapid weight loss
- Extreme tiredness
- Mouth or genital ulcers
- Fevers and night sweats
- Skin rashes or discolorations
These symptoms can look like lots of other illnesses, so testing is the only way to know for sure.
How to Prevent HIV
👉 Practice Safe sex
Use condoms for vaginal or anal sex every time. Need Free Condoms? Check out the link on TeenSource for easy access.
👉 Consider PrEP
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication that greatly lowers the risk of getting HIV. It can be taken as a pill or injected by a healthcare provider.
- Note: PrEP doesn’t protect against other STIs.
👉 Know your status
If you’re sexually active, getting tested regularly helps you and your partner prevent HIV and other STIs.
How to Get Tested
HIV tests are simple, usually a blood test or cheek swab. Many clinics offer free or low-cost testing. Use the TeenSource health center finder to locate a clinic near you.
And don’t worry: Your health information is confidential. Health centers are not required to release your health information unless it is more dangerous to do so, which is why you should get tested even if you are worried about your parents finding out.
HIV can take up to three months to show up on a test, so if you had a possible exposure, you may need to test again later.
HIV/AIDS isn’t something to fear, but it is something to take seriously. With prevention such as testing and treatment, people with HIV can live full healthy lives. The more you know, the more empowered you are to protect yourself and your community.
You deserve access to accurate info and nonjudgmental care when it comes to the prevention and treatment of STIs.