Thirteen/WNET New York
HIV Transmission
January 1, 1982
"I don't think that young people even understand
how simple it is to protect themselves.
It's so complicated once you're infected to stay alive
and to deal with it. And it's so simple to avoid it on a certain level."
- Evan Ruderman
Most people become infected with HIV by:
| Sharing needles and works (drug paraphernalia), when injecting drugs or steroids with someone who is infected with HIV. Sharing needles used for body piercing or tattooing may also pose a risk.
Taking part in any type of unprotected sexual intercourse - anal, oral, or vaginal.
Being born to an HIV-positive mother (although not all children will maintain positive HIV status). There is also a risk of infection through the ingestion of the breast milk of an HIV-positive mother.
|
Advertisement
"I have not always been safe. If something's going to happen to me, it's going to happen anyway. I don't think that I would ever get AIDS, like I don't think that I'd ever get hit by a car."
- Jamaul Roots
Knowing one's HIV status is important for two reasons:
|
If the test is positive, you can receive life-sustaining treatments to improve your quality of life, and you can also modify sexual behavior to avoid putting sexual partners at risk for infection.
If the test is negative, the relief you feel may inspire healthy behaviors that do not put you at risk for HIV, other STDs, or unintended pregnancies.
|
 |
Anonymous testing does not link a name to the blood sample. Those being tested are asked to
pick an identification number. Anonymous testing is not available in all states.
Confidential testing records a name with the test result. The results are protected to a degree determined by state law.
Whether an individual takes an anonymous or a confidential test, counseling is required before the test and when receiving the results.
|
Fast Facts |
- It may take three to six months (called a "window period") after infection before an HIV antibody test shows a positive result. For this reason, it is suggested that the individual repeat the test six months later for confirmation. During this interim time, he or she must avoid risky behaviors to ensure the test's accuracy.
- When used together, the ELISA and Western blot tests (used to detect HIV antibodies), are 99.9% accurate.1
- You may call the National AIDS Hotline (1-800-342-AIDS) for the location of the nearest testing facilities.
|
Discussion Questions |
1. Why might someone choose to be tested for HIV?
2. If you were considering taking the test, who would you talk with - if anyone - to help make that decision? Who wouldn't you tell and why?
3. How would you feel if the test were negative? How would this result affect your life?
4. How would you feel if the test were positive? Who would you tell and why? How would this result affect your life?
|
Back to Sex and Other Matters of Life and Death
This article was provided by
Thirteen/WNET New York.
E-Mail
Printable Single-Page
Glossary
Share
