The acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) was first acknowledged in 1981.Since then it has turn out to be one of the main international infections. AIDS is set off by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV gradually breaks down the body's ability to fight infections by leading to the damage and destruction of cells of the immune system.

What symptoms do you get from HIV/AIDS?

An infected person may lose weight and become ill with diseases like terrible diarrhea or pneumonia. Most people get a flu-like illness with mild fever, fatigue, and sometimes headache and/or rash. It's a lot like the early signs of the flu. Subsequent to that, a person might pick up risky behaviors.

Some people don’t think that they can contract the disease through kissing. But guess what…

…There are four fluids that can transmit HIV. These fluids are blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Saliva does not spread it. However it is possible to contract HIV in the course of kissing. If both partners have cuts in their mouths or bleeding gums, contaminated blood can probably be exchanged. Yet, there is something about saliva and the atmosphere your mouth that is unfriendly to the disease. This practically means that it is doubtful to happen. Although this is unlikely, be ware! Like all safe sex, kissing is a matter of managing risks. If you are aware of cuts or sores in your/your partner’s mouth, it’s probably best to go without deep kissing, but in general kissing is one of the safest sexual activities.

How can I prevent HIV/AIDS?

Well, since this is a sexually transmitted disease, practice safe sex. Dr. Mary L. Lamb says that “abstinence is the only sure protection.” If you are having sex, then at least protect yourself by wearing a condom. This process is sometimes mistaken. A condom is a thin rubber that fits tightly over an erect penis to act as a barrier to what's on the inside and what's on the outside. There are many types of condoms such as latex rubber, polyurethane, lambskin, lubricated, and spermicidal. Most condoms sold in the U.S. are latex condoms. Latex and polyurethane condoms are the only condoms that prevent HIV.

How many people have AIDS?

According to www.infoshare.org in New York City, there were a total of 245 13-24 year old teens living with aids. There were 5,672 people living with aids in NYC. (All in 2001)

Is there a cure for AIDS?

Study of latest U.S. Census Bureau information states that the number of young people from the ages 15 to 24 living with HIV/AIDS will rise from 12.4 million (2001) to 21.5 million by the end of the decade. This means that there will be more than a 70 percent increase. Adolescent sexual activity has increased so sexually transmitted disease will increase as well. Even with treatment, there is no cure for HIV infection. A person with HIV infection will carry the virus for the rest of his or her life.

Where can I go to get confidential testing?

There are many free and confidential clinics in New York City. The clinics listed below are given by the New York City Department of Health.

Manhattan

Central Harlem
2238 Fifth Avenue (137th Street)
New York, NY 10037
phone: 212-690-1760
Monday thru Friday—8:30-4:30
#2 train to 135th Street

East Harlem
158 East 115th Street (off Lexington Avenue)
New York, NY 10029
phone: 212-360-5962
STD Services:
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday—8:30-4:30
HIV Counseling & Testing
Monday thru Friday—8:30-4:30
#6 train to 116th Street

Chelsea
303 Ninth Avenue (28th Street)
New York, NY 10001
phone: 212-239-1725
Monday thru Friday—8:30- 4:30
Saturday—9:00-2:00 P.M.
C or E trains to 23rd Street or
#1 or #9 to 28th Street

Riverside
160 West 100th Street (between Columbus/Amsterdam)
New York, NY 10025
phone: 212-865-7757
Monday thru Friday—8:30-4:30
#1, #9, B, C, to 96th Street

Bronx

Morrisania
1309 Fulton Avenue (E 169th Street off 3rd Ave)
Bronx, NY 10456
phone: 718-579-7714
Monday thru Friday—8:00 A.M.-4:00
Saturday—8:30 A.M.-1:30
#55 or #15 bus to 169th Street/3rd Avenue

Staten Island

Richmond
51 Stuyvesant Place (Wall Street)
St. George, NY
phone: 718-983-4515/ 4513
HIV Counseling/Testing:
Monday thru Friday—8:30-4:30
STD Services:
Monday—1:00-4:00
Thursday—1:00-4:00

Brooklyn

Crown Heights
1218 Prospect Place, 2nd Flr. (Troy Ave.)
Brooklyn, NY 11213
phone: 718-735-0580
Monday thru Friday—8:30- 4:30
#3, #4, A, or C trains to Utica Avenue

Fort Greene
295 Flatbush Ave. Ext. 5th Flr.
Brooklyn, NY 11201
phone: 718- 643-4133
Monday thru Friday—8:30-4:30
Saturday—8:30-1:30
#2, #3, #5 trains to Nevins Avenue
N, R, D trains to Dekalb Avenue

Bedford-Stuyvesant
485 Troop Ave. 1st Flr.
Brooklyn, NY 11221
phone: 718- 574-2482
HIV Counseling & Testing:
Monday thru Friday—8:30-4:00
C train to Throop Avenue

Queens

Corona
34-33 Junction Blvd. (Roosevelt/Northern)
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
phone:718-476-7626/7815
STD Services:
Tuesday & Friday—8:00-4:00
HIV Counseling & Testing:
Monday thru Friday—8:30-4:30
#7 train to Junction Blvd.; #72 bus to 35th Avenue

Jamaica
90-37 Parsons Blvd. 1st Flr. (off Jamacia Ave.)
Jamaica, NY 11432
phone: 718 262-5572
Monday thru Friday—8:00 A.M.-4:30
Saturday—8:30-1:30 P.M.
E, S, J train to Parsons Blvd.

Rockaway
67-19 Rockaway Blvd. (Addabbo Health Center)
Queens, NY 11692
phone: 718-945-7150
Monday thru Friday—9:00-5:00
A train to Beach 67th.

Click here to find out more about me, Cheralyn, to read my other piece of writing about STDs, or to check out a teen organization, HEAT.