HIV/AIDS Information - March - 2003

Worldwide HIV Infection Statistics

1 out of every 99 people between the age of 15 and 59 is now infected with HIV 42 million people are currently infected with HIV More than 6 million people will be infected in 2003 Approximately 700 people are infected with HIV every hour (16,800 people per day) 90 percent of those infected with HIV DO NOT know they are infected 85 percent of all people infected are heterosexual Only 15 percent of people infected worldwide are gay 27 million Africans are currently infected with HIV/AIDS and there are 12 million African orphans (many of whom are HIV+) who have lost their parents to AIDS

United States HIV Statistics:

Somewhere between 900,000 and 1,125,000 Americans are now infected with HIV 50 to 60 percent of those infected with HIV DO NOT know they are infected In 2003, between 40,000 and 50,000 Americans were infected with HIV 25 percent of all newly infected individuals are teenagers 50 percent of all newly infected individuals are age 25 or younger The rate of new HIV infections is climbing fastest in teenagers, women and people of color Approximately 1 out of every 20 adults in Washington, DC is now infected with HIV Approximately 1 out of every 6 adults in South Beach, FL is now infected with HIV

Necessary Steps To Ensure You Do Not Get Infected With HIV

Abstinence is the best form of protection from HIV/AIDS Do not use IV drugs - 50 percent of infections occur from IV drug use Use of any illegal drug or alcohol may increase your chance of being infected with HIV/AIDS and all other sexually transmitted diseases

Before Becoming Sexually Active, Take the Following Precautions:

You should assume everyone you date might be infected with HIV You and/or your partner should be tested for HIV, if either of you has ever been sexually active or used any IV drugs Condoms do not provide 100 percent protection from HIV However, the use of condoms is very effective in reducing the risk of HIV infection Used properly, condoms may lower your chances of being infected by as much as 95 to 98 percent Decide which sexual activities you will and will not engage in: Hugging, kissing, cuddling and other activities that do not result in the exchange of blood, semen or vaginal fluids are considered "safe" activities Oral sex is safer than intercourse, but more dangerous than the above activities Intercourse (especially without the use of a condom) is risky