HIV/AIDS White Dove Program
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HIV/AIDS White Dove Program
What is HIV? HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus is responsible for causing the syndrome we know as AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
- HIV is a disease with many stages. People with HIV may have no symptoms, a few symptoms or many serious symptoms.
- People can have HIV for many years without feeling or looking sick. They may not even know they have HIV. But they can still pass the virus on to others.
- Over time, HIV damages the body’s immune system. The immune system protects the body from disease.
- When the immune system gets very weak, other diseases and infections can enter the body. This stage of HIV is called AIDS.
How Do People Get HIV?
- HIV can be passed during vaginal, oral or anal sex.
- HIV can be passed while sharing needles and syringes for any reason.
- HIV can be passed while sharing any drug paraphernalia used to snort or inject drugs.
- HIV can be passed by needles used for tattoos and piercing or to inject vitamins or steroids.
- Health workers caring for people with HIV can get HIV from needle-stick injuries.
- HIV can be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
HIV is NOT passed by:
- Hugging, dry kissing or sharing food
- Telephones, toilet seats, towels or eating utensils
- Mosquito or other insect bites
- Working with someone who is infected with HIV
Did You Know That…
- Anyone can get HIV. NO exceptions.
- AIDS is the 6th leading cause of death for 15 to 24 year olds.
- AIDS is the 3rd leading cause of death among women 25 to 44 years old.
- AIDS is the number one cause of death among men 25 to 44 years old.
- Many people who have AIDS in their 20s become infected with HIV in their teens.
HIV and African Americans:
- AIDS is the leading health crisis in the African American community today.
- Of the estimated 40,000 new HIV infections each year in the U.S., more than half occur among African Americans.
- AIDS is the #1 cause of death for Black adults in the U.S. ages 25 to 44, before heart disease, cancer and homicide.
- Most Maryland HIV and AIDS cases are among African Americans. In 2000, Maryland had a total of 21,582 people living with HIV.
- In the District of Columbia, 79% of all AIDS patients are African Americans. The District has the highest incidence of new HIV infections anywhere in the nation.
- You can be infected with HIV for 10 years or more without having any symptoms.
- Safer sex means taking steps to protect yourself from HIV.
- Choosing not to have sex is safest.
- Ask your partner about his/her sexual and drug-taking history.
- Put yourself first. You deserve to be safe.
- HIV is a life & death issue. Talk about it. Get tested.
- Remember, you’re in charge!
For more information, contact Minister Joyce Tabb at:
El Shaddi Care Center
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 3035
Laurel, Maryland 20709
Phone: 301-490-1375
Email: elshaddi@us.net