What adults must know

What adults must know

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the third leading cause of death in Missouri for people 25 to 44 years of age. Through June 1994, more than 5,000 Missouri citizens had contracted AIDS, and about half of them had died. In addition, many of those diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 29 probably were infected as teenagers. Approximately 4 percent of all those with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) in Missouri were diagnosed when they were teenagers. This is the virus that causes AIDS.

As these statistics show, AIDS is a serious illness and a public health crisis that demands attention.

AIDS is a disease we can prevent. It is extremely important for parents, teachers, clergy and other adults in contact with youth to provide honest, accurate information. One of the fastest growing populations of HIV-positive and AIDS victims are teens and young adults. Although some young people are abstaining from sexual activity, many are sexually active. These young people need the facts about AIDS.

AIDS is the life-threatening disease caused by HIV. The virus depresses the body's immune system, making it difficult for the body to resist bacteria and viruses that might cause disease. The infected person is at high risk for diseases such as lung infection, pneumonia and cancer. Once developed, the full-blown syndrome results in death