Dear mia03,

HIV — the virus that can cause AIDS — is transmitted through the exchange of blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV disease.

A person can get HIV by:

• having unprotected sexual intercourse with someone who has the virus
• sharing needles or syringes with someone who has the virus
• receiving transfusions of blood products donated by someone who has the virus
• getting HIV-infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions into open wounds or sores
• being deeply punctured with a needle or surgical instrument contaminated with the virus
• passing from a woman to her fetus during pregnancy or birth

HIV cannot be transmitted by exchanging saliva. Casual contact such as kissing, sharing water glasses, or hugging does not pass HIV.

These are the ways to reduce the risk of passing HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections:

• Keep your partner's body fluids out of your body — vagina, anus, or mouth. The body fluids to be most careful about are blood, cum, pre-cum, vaginal fluids, and the discharge from sores caused by sexually transmitted infections.
• Don't touch sores or growths that are caused by sexually transmitted infections.
• Use latex or female condoms because they are effective barriers.
• Don't use alcohol or other drugs — their use can encourage people to take risks they wouldn't take if they weren't high.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.