How much do you know about HIV and AIDS?
Click on this link and take the survey to find out before reading below: http://www.thebody.com/content/art33136.html
Also watch an interview with Kevin Fenton, the CDC Director for HIV/AIDS, STD and TB Prevention below.
Click on this link and take the survey to find out before reading below: http://www.thebody.com/content/art33136.html
Also watch an interview with Kevin Fenton, the CDC Director for HIV/AIDS, STD and TB Prevention below.
Interview with Kevin Fenton - CDC Director
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How common is HIV among Gay and Bisexual Men?
The number of gay men with
HIV (Human Immuno-deficiency Virus)
gets bigger each year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that gay and bisexual men - referred to in CDC surveillance systems as men who have sex with men (MSM) - of all races continue to be the risk group most severely affected by HIV. Additionally, this is the only risk group in the U.S. in which the annual number of new HIV infections is increasing. To view the entire report
CLICK HERE
* MSM account for nearly half of the more than one million people living with HIV in the U.S. (48%, or an estimated 532,000 total persons).
* MSM account for more than half of all new HIV infections in the U.S. each year (53%, or an estimated 28,700 infections).
* MSM are the only risk group in the U.S. in which new HIV infections are increasing. While new infections have declined among both heterosexuals and injection drug users, the annual number of new HIV infections among MSM has been steadily increasing since the early 1990s.
* MSM account for nearly half of the more than one million people living with HIV in the U.S. (48%, or an estimated 532,000 total persons).
* MSM account for more than half of all new HIV infections in the U.S. each year (53%, or an estimated 28,700 infections).
* MSM are the only risk group in the U.S. in which new HIV infections are increasing. While new infections have declined among both heterosexuals and injection drug users, the annual number of new HIV infections among MSM has been steadily increasing since the early 1990s.
CDC Estimates of New HIV Infections, 2006 & 2009, by Race/Ethnicity, Risk Group, and Gender
* According to the latest estimates, white MSM represent a greater number of new HIV infections than any other population, followed closely by black MSM - who are one of the most disproportionately affected subgroups in the U.S.
* Young Black MSM: Most new infections among black MSM occur among young black MSM. In fact, there are more new HIV infections among young black MSM (aged 13-29) than among any other age and racial group of MSM. The number of new infections among black MSM in this age group is roughly twice that of their white and Hispanic counterparts (5,220 infections in blacks vs, 3,330 among whites and 2,300 among Hispanics).
* White MSM in their 30s and 40s: Most new infections among white MSM occur amoung those aged 30-39 (4,670), followed by those aged 40-49 (3,740).
* Young Hispanic MSM: Among Hispanic MSM, most new infections occur in the youngest (13-29) age group (2,300), though a substantial number of new HIV infections also occur among those aged 30-39 (1,870).
* In a study of 21 major U.S. cities in 2008, MSM had high levels of HIV infection, and many of those infected with HIV did not know it. Among those who were infected, nearly half (44 percent) were unaware of their HIV status. Young MSM and MSM of color were least likely to know they were infected.
* Young Black MSM: Most new infections among black MSM occur among young black MSM. In fact, there are more new HIV infections among young black MSM (aged 13-29) than among any other age and racial group of MSM. The number of new infections among black MSM in this age group is roughly twice that of their white and Hispanic counterparts (5,220 infections in blacks vs, 3,330 among whites and 2,300 among Hispanics).
* White MSM in their 30s and 40s: Most new infections among white MSM occur amoung those aged 30-39 (4,670), followed by those aged 40-49 (3,740).
* Young Hispanic MSM: Among Hispanic MSM, most new infections occur in the youngest (13-29) age group (2,300), though a substantial number of new HIV infections also occur among those aged 30-39 (1,870).
* In a study of 21 major U.S. cities in 2008, MSM had high levels of HIV infection, and many of those infected with HIV did not know it. Among those who were infected, nearly half (44 percent) were unaware of their HIV status. Young MSM and MSM of color were least likely to know they were infected.
Estimated Number of New HIV Infections in MSM, by Race/Ethnicity and Age Group, U.S., 2006, 2007, 2008 & 2009
What causes HIV infection?
HIV
is a virus that weakens the immune system. Having HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). This is the name given to a collection of illnesses caused when HIV damages your immune system.
What are the symptoms of HIV infection?
If you're infected with
HIV
there are usually no symptoms straight away. But in the weeks after infection you may get a flu-like illness with any of the following symptoms:
* fever * swollen glands * sore throat * a rash on the body Many people don't get these. And they're also caused by lots of other common infections. For months or years after you get infected, HIV may cause no symptoms. But over time, you may get symptoms of infections and diseases caused by your immune system getting weaker. 
HIV White T-cell
How is HIV passed on?
HIV
is in the body fluids of an infected person. Only some fluids have enough HIV in them to infect someone. These fluids in men are:
* blood * semen (cum) * pre-semen (pre-cum) * Anal fluids and mucosa Spit, tears, sweat and pee don't have enough HIV in them to infect someone. HIV is usually spread: * during sex, when an infectious body fluid goes from a person with HIV into the body (and then bloodstream) of an uninfected person * when people who inject drugs share injecting equipment. HIV isn't automatically passed on every time unsafe sex happens, but it could be passed on any time it happens. Anal sex (topping or bottoming) HIV is usually passed on sexually between men when they have anal sex without condoms. * A man with HIV topping an uninfected man is more likely to pass on HIV. * An uninfected man topping a man with HIV is less likely to (but it can still happen). * HIV is more likely to be passed on if a man with HIV ejaculates (comes) inside an uninfected man. Here's how.... HIV in semen (cum) If a man with HIV tops an uninfected man, the virus in his semen can get into the other man's bloodstream through the lining of the anal canal (this lining easily absorbs the semen with HIV in it). Even if the man topping pulls out before he ejaculates (comes), his infected pre-semen can still pass on HIV to the other man. But semen (cum) in the anus is the riskiest thing. Bleeding When a man is bottoming, the lining of his anal canal can tear a little and bleed. Blood being present makes it easier for HIV to be passed on, no matter which man has HIV or who's being the top or bottom. Oral sex (sucking) It's not clear how many gay men have got HIV from oral sex, but it does happen. The CDC knows the vast majority of gay men with HIV got it from unprotected anal sex, with a small number getting it from oral sex. If you don't have HIV: These will reduce the risk during oral sex: * keeping semen (cum) out of your mouth at all times * keeping your mouth in good shape * avoiding oral sex if your mouth or throat is sore, damaged or infected * visiting your local clinic to get checked for STIs in your mouth or throat * if your gums bleed badly, avoiding brushing teeth before sex * not sucking a penis that has cuts or sores on it * using a flavored condom for oral sex And if you have HIV you can: * keep your semen (cum) out of men's mouths * avoid being sucked if your penis has cuts or sores on it * get checked for STIs in your penis and other parts of your body 
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How is HIV infection prevented?
The risk of getting or passing on
HIV
can be dramatically reduced by:
* using a condom and water-based lubricant for anal sex (bottoming or topping) * keeping semen (cum) out of your mouth or your partner's mouth during oral sex (sucking) by using a flavored condom If you decide to use condoms for oral sex, use flavored ones because they won't taste of latex like general condoms. Water-based lubricants Water-based lubricants make condoms less likely to break. Oil-based lubricants destroy latex, making condoms split and break. Condoms shouldn't be used with oil-based lubricants like massage and baby oil, suntan lotion, skin cream, Vaseline or food products containing oil. Instead, use water-based lubricants like: (click lube brand for info) * KY Jelly * Astroglide * ID Lubricants * Wet Personal Lubricant The surest way to prevent HIV, is to abstain from sexual contact or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with only one sex partner who has been tested and is known to be uninfected. Avoiding alcohol and drug use may also help prevent transmission of HIV because these activities may lead to risky sexual behavior. It is also important that you have good communication with your sex partners. **REMEMBER: Using a condom greatly reduces the risk of HIV being picked up or passed on since HIV is spread by sexual fluids. How is HIV infection treated?
There is no vaccine or cure for HIV. But medication can lower the amount of HIV made in the body, meaning better health.
* When someone tests HIV positive, doctors monitor how well their body is fighting HIV. They may not need treatment for years. * Someone starting HIV drugs might have side effects (ex. headache, diarrhea, nausea). * HIV drugs work better and have fewer side effects than they did in the past. * People diagnosed HIV positive now often only need to take one or two pills a day. * Studies show people diagnosed soon after becoming infected (before HIV weakens their immune system) can expect to live about as long as those who don't have HIV. The HIV test
An HIV test is usually done on a sample of your blood. HIV tests today look for two signs of infection:
* 'antibodies' to the virus (the body makes antibodies to fight infections, but antibodies against HIV can't destroy the virus) * 'antigen' - this is part of the HIV virus. It can be found in the blood of people who have picked up HIV in the previous few weeks (and before their body has made antibodies) But some testing centers still use HIV tests that only look for antibodies. 
Human Immuno-deficiency Virus
What a 'positive' HIV test result means.If you get a 'positive' result, it means: * you are 'HIV positive' (you've been infected with HIV) * you can infect others if you have unsafe sex It doesn't say anything about how your health will be in the future. It doesn't mean you have AIDS or will go on to develop AIDS. If people know you have HIV, it might mean you'll come across hostility, prejudice and stigma. What a 'negative' HIV test result means.
If you get a negative result it means:
* you are 'HIV negative' (you don't have HIV) But it is possible to get a negative result when you do in fact have HIV if you test within a few weeks of getting infected If you do something that puts you at risk of getting HIV and then get a negative test, it doesn't mean you can take risks in the future and stay uninfected. No one should believe they are immune to HIV. How soon after taking a risk can I test?
In the past, a three month wait was recommended between a risk of getting HIV (such as unprotected sex) and testing. This is because it could take that long for signs of infection (antibodies) to show up in the blood. This is called the 3 month window period.
A test finds signs of infection within six weeks in most people. Occasionally this takes up to three months. During that time it's possible to test 'negative' when in fact HIV is there but not showing up in a blood test. So it's recommended that someone testing 'negative' before three months have passed should take a second test a few weeks later to be sure their negative result is accurate. When you test it's best to say when you last had unprotected sex so they know if there's a chance the test might not pick up a very recent infection. Whose test is it anyway?
An HIV test result is only true for the person whose blood is tested. It can be easy to hear of results given to friends, boyfriends and ex-boyfriends and be tempted to guess what that might mean for ourselves. But only by being tested yourself can you be sure whether you have HIV or not.
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Should I get an HIV test?
Have you put yourself at risk of getting HIV? Have you had unprotected sex? Have you ever injected drugs? Is there a good reason for you to test? Of course there is! Having an HIV test, especially if the result is positive, can have a huge impact on your life, but so cannot having a test. It is very important to know your status! To find testing centers near you,
CLICK HERE
Finding out your status...Am I positive or negative?
Many gay men have HIV for a long time and don't realize it. During this time they might give it to other people without knowing.
Also, all the time a person doesn't test, their immune system gets weaker, making it more likely they get seriously ill. When eventually they do find out they have HIV it can be too late to really benefit from HIV treatments and there's a bigger risk they'll die. The sooner someone finds out they're HIV positive, the better their health can be monitored, helping to make decisions about treatment and taking care of themselves.
What happens after the test?
Some clinics have a same-day result service, but test results usually take 3 weeks and:
* you should be offered the chance to talk things over before you take the test and after you get your result
* you should get your result face-to-face, not over the phone or by letter
* HIV Testing Counselors usually give test results. Whether yours is positive or negative, you can talk to them about your feelings and what you might want to do next.
For info on where to get tested in Wake County, CLICK HERE
Finding out your status...Am I positive or negative?
Many gay men have HIV for a long time and don't realize it. During this time they might give it to other people without knowing.
Also, all the time a person doesn't test, their immune system gets weaker, making it more likely they get seriously ill. When eventually they do find out they have HIV it can be too late to really benefit from HIV treatments and there's a bigger risk they'll die. The sooner someone finds out they're HIV positive, the better their health can be monitored, helping to make decisions about treatment and taking care of themselves.
What happens after the test?
Some clinics have a same-day result service, but test results usually take 3 weeks and:
* you should be offered the chance to talk things over before you take the test and after you get your result
* you should get your result face-to-face, not over the phone or by letter
* HIV Testing Counselors usually give test results. Whether yours is positive or negative, you can talk to them about your feelings and what you might want to do next.
For info on where to get tested in Wake County, CLICK HERE
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Tests:
Find places where you can get free HIV/STD testing in Wake County.
Condoms: Find places where you can get free condoms in Wake County.
For general information about Wake County’s HIV/STD program and testing, please call 919-250-3950.
Do you have questions about HIV/STDs that you want answered? E-mail questions to: std.program@wearemembersofthiscommunity.org
To see all other resources in Wake County, North Carolina & the United States, CLICK HERE to return to our resources and links page.
Condoms: Find places where you can get free condoms in Wake County.
For general information about Wake County’s HIV/STD program and testing, please call 919-250-3950.
Do you have questions about HIV/STDs that you want answered? E-mail questions to: std.program@wearemembersofthiscommunity.org
To see all other resources in Wake County, North Carolina & the United States, CLICK HERE to return to our resources and links page.
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This education awareness project is sponsored by the
LGBT Center of Raleigh . Created and designed by Luke Keeler . |
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