Sexual Transmission-body fluids that are exchanged through sexual activity is one of the main modes of transmission.  Although HIV is found in other body fluid's (i.e. tears, sweat) it is not enough to cause infection. You can choose not to put yourself at risk by waiting until you are married to have sex, and then be sure you are marrying an uninfected person.  Once married, remain faithful in that relationship. This is the only true SAFE SEX.

     What about Condoms ?  That is safer than not using condoms, however they are only about 16% affective in keeping girls from getting pregnant (that is l in 6).  However, the HIV virus is smaller than sperm so you wonder how much greater is your risk of getting HIV?   Also, it only takes one time for a condom to fail, and you are infected.
 

      One of the main modes of transmitting HIV is though the sharing of needles (especially in IV drug use).  If one is using IV drugs the only way to protect themselves is through clean needles and only one person using them.   HIV can also be spread through used needles for tattooing, piercing, and "blood brother" rituals.  Anything that allows you to put someone else's blood directly into your blood stream can cause infection, also sharing razors.  The good news is that the blood supplies for transfusions and donations are now tested and screened, so the chance of getting contaminated blood in the US is unlikely. 
 

    
     Babies can become infected from their mother's in the uterus and through breast milk after birth.  If a mother is positive for the virus, she can get on the drug therapy from her doctor and reduce the risk of infecting the baby.  Also a baby born to an infected mother can be put on a therapy after delivery and greatly reduce the risk of infection.  Mothers that are infected should not breastfeed.
 

     If you or a family member is AIDS/HIV positive and need someone to talk to or would like additional information concerning the AIDS/HIV virus please feel free to contact us.