Today adolescents of both sexes face a serious risk of HIV infection, which is the cause of AIDS. AIDS is a chronic and most often fatal disease. Despite growing understanding and awareness, HIV infection is a serious threat to both heterosexual and homosexual teens. When adolescents take certain risks, they are more likely to become infected with HIV and develop AIDS:
These are the most important facts about AIDS:
- AIDS is most often fatal
- anyone can get AIDS - many teens (both boys and girls) have been infected
- condoms can reduce the risk of getting AIDS
- you can get AIDS from use of even one contaminated needle or one sexual act with a partner who has HIV/AIDS
Risk of AIDS is increased by:
- an increased number of sexual partners
- IV drug use
- anal intercourse
- any sex (oral, anal or vaginal) without condoms
- alcohol and other drug use (sex is more impulsive and use of condoms less likely if under the influence of alcohol or other drugs)
- tattoos and body piercing with contaminated (unsterile) needles or instruments
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