Are HIV and AIDS the same thing?
~HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. HIV stands for human immuno-deficiency virus, and AIDS stands for acquired immuno-deficiency syndrome. HIV is the first step to being diagnosed with AIDS. HIV leads to the development of opportunistic infections, and once a person with HIV and at least one opportunistic disease T-cell count drops below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood, they have AIDS.

Can I get HIV/AIDS from kissing someone?
            ~No. You can not get AIDS from kissing someone.

            You DO get AIDS From:
            -Blood
            -Semen
            -Cowper’s Fluid
            -Breast milk
            -Vaginal Secretions
            -IV drug use
            -Unsafe Tattoos and Piercing
           
            You DO NOT get AIDS from:
Kissing someone – Hugging someone – Holding hands with someone – Sharing towels with someone – Shaking someone’s hand – Being sneezed on –Sharing cups or utensils – Insects – Animal bites – Protected Sex ~

Is it curable?
            ~Though the cocktails produced and modern drugs are a vast improvement of what was offered in earlier years, there is not yet a cure. HIV is a virus, meaning it can not be cured at the present time.

Is it only transmitted through sex?
            ~No, HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through IV drug use, unsafe tattoos and piercings, and in some cases can be transmitted through improper use of razors and waxing precautions.

Is it always lethal?
            ~Yes. The drugs manufactured now are greatly increasing the life expectancy of those living with HIV/AIDS, but there is still no cure.

Who is most at risk?
            ~AIDS is not a discriminating disease. From children to grandparents, AIDS can be transmitted to anyone. The most common age group amongst which AIDS is found is among 15-29 year olds.

What are the symptoms?
            ~There are no drastic symptoms for AIDS except for excessive weakness. The symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and even more severe side effects come from opportunistic diseases.

What is the average lifespan of a person living with HIV/AIDS?
~There is no definite average. Every person, depending on their personal immune system reacts differently to AIDS. Some people live only a few months, some live 30 years. It depends on their immune system, and how well their body responds to the drugs.  

Is a condom effective?
~A condom is effective. However, not 100% effective. THE ONLY 100% EFFECTIVE WAY OF PROTECTING YOURSELF IS THROUGH ABSTINENCE. When choosing condoms, make sure that you are buying the correct condoms.

Can animals have AIDS?
~No, animals cannot have AIDS. Though AIDS is thought to have originated from a breed of chimpanzee, it has not yet been proven. Furthermore, HIV stands for human immuno-deficiency virus, therefore it shouldn’t technically be able to survive as the same virus in animals.

Do only homosexuals get AIDS?
~No, as stated before, AIDS is a non-discriminating disease. Homosexuals contract HIV/AIDS in the exact same way as heterosexuals.

What’s wrong with lambskin condoms?
            ~Lambskin condoms are porous, therefore having natural pathways for semen or infectious fluid to seep out.