Dear MsIndpndnt,

No, absolutely not. HIV — the human immunodeficiency virus that causes AIDS — can infect anyone who has unprotected sex or shares IV drug equipment with someone who has HIV. It doesn't matter if a person is gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, or straight. Both women and men get HIV. In fact, the fastest growing group of people with HIV is heterosexual women.

These are the other ways a person can get HIV:

• 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

HIV can also be passed from a woman to her fetus during pregnancy or birth.

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.