Tips for Teens: The Truth About AIDS

HIV impairs your immune system, making it less resistant to diseases and infections. HIV is transmitted 

through exposure to the bodily fluids of someone infected with HIV. This exposure most commonly occurs 

during unprotected sex, by sharing needles, through blood transfusions, or by contact with open wounds. 

Babies born to women with HIV can also become infected. 

is caused by HIV, the

.

AIDS--Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome-- Human Immunodeficiency 

Virus

HIV infections among all teenagers and young adults are increasing. Also, nearly onefourth of AIDS cases among adolescents and adults under age 25 stem from injection drug use. It's not a "gay thing." 

Alcohol and illicit drugs lower your inhibitions and impair your 

judgment. Drinking and drug use can lead to risky behaviors you're less likely to do if sober, including having 

unprotected sex. This increases your risk for exposure to HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases 

(STDs).

Alcohol and drugs affect your self-control. 

Non-injection drugs also contribute to the spread of HIV/

AIDS when users trade sex for drugs or money or when their judgment and decision-making skills are 

impaired. 

Any drug use increases the risks for HIV/AIDS. 

Not having sexual intercourse is the most effective way to avoid STDs, including HIV/AIDS. For 

those who choose to be sexually active, the following HIV prevention activities can be effective: 

Get the facts.

Engaging in sexual activity that does not involve vaginal, anal, or oral sex 

Having intercourse with only one uninfected partner 

Using latex condoms every time you have sex 

Even though more effective drugs are now used to treat HIV/AIDS, there is no cure or 

vaccine. 

Stay informed.

Even tobacco use impacts HIV/AIDS. Smokers with the HIV virus develop full-blown AIDS 

twice as quickly as nonsmokers. 

Know the risks.

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How can you tell if you or someone else may already have HIV? If you have not shared a needle or had 

unprotected sex, it is very unlikely that you have HIV. The only way to be certain is to be tested. Most people 

with HIV do not have any visible symptoms for many years. Once symptoms do begin to show, some of the 

more common ones include:

Rapid weight loss 

Profuse night sweats 

Ongoing, unexplained fatigue 

Swollen lymph glands 

Diarrhea that lasts longer than a week 

White spots or blemishes in the mouth or throat 

Pneumonia 

Do not assume you are infected if you have any of these symptoms. Each of these symptoms can easily be 

related to other illnesses. Again, the only way to determine for sure whether you are infected with HIV is to be 

tested. 

What can you do to help someone whose substance abuse problem is putting them at risk for HIV/AIDS? Be 

a real friend. You might even save a life. Encourage your friend to stop using substances or seek 

professional help. For information and referrals, call the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug 

Information at 800-729-6686.

For more information go to ncadi.samhsa.gov

Can you get HIV/AIDS from deep kissing or from someone's sweat?

No. There are no known cases of HIV transmission through sweat or saliva. HIV is primarily transmitted in 

blood, semen, or vaginal fluid during unprotected sex or from sharing needles. 

Q.

A.

If you already have the HIV virus, does it really matter whether you drink and use drugs?

Yes. Being smoke-free, clean, and sober improves your chances of staying healthy longer. 

Q.

A.

 Who is most likely to get HIV/AIDS?

Anyone who has unprotected sex, shares needles, or exchanges bodily fluids or blood with an infected 

person is at risk. HIV is a virus. AIDS is a disease. Viruses do not care about age, race, or sexual orientation.

Q.

A.

If you know someone who is risking exposure to HIV/AIDS, urge him or her to stop or get 

more information. If your behavior places you at risk for exposure to HIV/AIDS-stop! If you have already 

possibly been exposed to HIV/AIDS, get tested and follow your doctor's instructions. The longer you ignore 

the real facts, the more chances you take with your life.

The bottom line: 

Talk to your parents, a doctor, a counselor, a teacher, or another adult you trust.

Do it today!

To learn more about HIV/AIDS or obtain referrals to programs in your community, contact:

SAMHSA's National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information

800-729-6686

TDD 800-487-4889

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linea gratis en español 877-767-8432

Web site: ncadi.samhsa.gov 

Curious about the TV ads of the National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign? Check out the Web site 

at or visit the Office of National Drug Control Policy Web site at 

.

http://www.freevibe.com http://

www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov

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