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HIV/AIDS

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HIV stands for human immunodeficiency (IH-myoo-noh-dif-FISH-uhn-see) virus. HIV causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS, a disease that weakens the body’s ability to fight infection and certain cancers. HIV/AIDS affects more men than women, especially black men. In 2005, black men made up 41 percent of U.S. men living with HIV/AIDS. And AIDS is the seventh leading cause of death for black men. The reasons why minority men are hit the hardest by HIV/AIDS are complex. But the good news is that anybody can take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from HIV.

How HIV Is Spread

In men, HIV is usually spread by:

• Having sex (vaginal, anal, or oral) with a man or woman who is infected with HIV.
• Sharing needles with someone who has HIV, such as during injection drug use.

Get Tested

All people should know their HIV status. But many do not. About 1 in 5 people infected with HIV or AIDS in the United States do not know they have it. Many new HIV infections are caused by people unaware that they are infected. Knowing your HIV status is one vital step in helping to stop the spread of HIV.

If you don’t know your status, it’s time to find out. Testing is simple and easy, and there are many places to get tested: freestanding HIV testing centers, health departments, hospitals, private doctors' offices, and clinics. To get tested:

• Ask your doctor to do the test.
• Ask your doctor where to find a local HIV testing site.
• Visit the National HIV and STD Resources Web site to find a local testing site.
• Call CDC-INFO at 800-232-4636 or 888-232-6348 (TTY) to find a local testing site.

If you test negative, you can take steps to stay that way. If you find out that you are infected with HIV, treatment can slow down the progress of the virus. A wide variety of private and government resources also are in place to help people living with HIV.

Preventing HIV

Take these simple steps to lower your risk of getting or spreading HIV:

• Be faithful. Have sex with only one uninfected partner who only has sex with you, or don’t have sex at all.
• Use a male latex condom for all types of sexual contact. If you or your partner is allergic to latex, use polyurethane condoms.
• Don't share needles. Don't share needles or drug injection equipment for illegal drugs like heroin and cocaine and legal drugs like steroids and vitamins. If you get a tattoo or body piercing, make sure the needles are sterile (clean).
• Limit your number of sexual partners. Your risk of getting HIV goes up with the number of partners you have.
• Don’t abuse alcohol or drugs, which is linked to sexual risk-taking.

Additional Resources

Publications

1.   Divisions of HIV/AIDS Prevention: Recommendations and Guidelines — This web page contains publications that give referrals and guidance on caring for someone with HIV/AIDS, testing for HIV/AIDS, education, and more.

   http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/guidelines/index.htm

2.     HIV and Its Treatment: What You Should Know — This publication provides information about HIV treatment regimens for people recently diagnosed with HIV. It discusses when to start treatment, the importance of adhering to treatment regimens, and what to do if regimens fail. Treatment during pregnancy is also discussed, as well as what to expect during treatment.

   http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/contentfiles/HIVandItsTreatment_cbrochure_en.pdf

3.   HIV Testing: Questions and Answers — This fact sheet provides answers to questions about HIV testing such as who should get tested and when and where to go to get tested. This resource also offers information on what to do if you test positive.

   http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/testing/qa.htm

4.   HIV Transmission: Questions and Answers — This fact sheet answers questions on the different ways HIV is spread and clears up common myths.

   http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/qa/transmission.htm

5.   Male Circumcision and Risk for HIV Transmission and Other Health Conditions: Implications for the United States — This fact sheet summarizes information in four areas of male circumcision: 1) male circumcision and risk for HIV transmission; 2) male circumcision and other health conditions; 3) risks associated with male circumcision; and 4) status of HIV infection and male circumcision in the United States.

   http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/factsheets/circumcision.htm

6.     Understanding HIV Prevention — This publication answers some common questions about how you can prevent spreading HIV if you are HIV-positive.

   http://aidsinfo.nih.gov/contentfiles/UnderstandingHIVPrevention_FS_en.pdf

7. HIV: How to Avoid Infections When You Have HIV (Copyright © American Academy of Family Physicians) — This fact sheet discusses ways to protect yourself from other infections if you are HIV-positive. It also discusses precautions in regards to pets, travel, food, and water.

   http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/sexinfections/hiv/248.html

Organizations

1.   AIDS.gov
2.   AIDSinfo
3.   National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, CDC, OPHS, HHS
4.   National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, HHS
5.   National Prevention Information Network, CDC, HHS
6. American Social Health Association

= Indicates Federal Resources

Content last updated June 1, 2009.