1. HIV and AIDS

2. AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome)- a disease in which the immune system of the patient is weakened. HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus)- a virus that attacks the immune system. Infection with HIV can be prevented. Responsible decisions is the most valuable tool for protection against HIV. Example: Abstinence from sexual activity and injecting drugs reduce your risk.

3. Opportunistic infections- infections that occur in individuals who do not have health immune systems. These infections are difficult to treat. With a weak immune system, the infected individual suffers one illness after another.

4. It is not airborne or transmitted through food. HIV can be transmitted from an infected person to an uninfected person only through blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. Sexual Intercourse- Can be transmitted through any type of sexual intercourse. STDs cause an increase in the risk of getting HIV. Sharing Needles- People who inject drugs and share needles are at high risk of contracting or spreading HIV. Mother to baby- A pregnant female who is infected can pass the virus to her baby How HIV is Transmitted

5. VARIOUS STAGES OF HIV INFECTION

6. EIA- a test that screens for the presence of HIV antibodies in the blood. Western blot- is the most common confirmation test for HIV in the United States. If done properly it is 100% accurate. If the test is positive then the person is determined to have HIV. A “Rapid Test” can be done in 20 minutes. Fairly accurate and if positive, patient will come back for Western Blot test. Home Testing Kits- Most are not trustworthy. If approved by FDA, must provide a dried blood sample to send to a lab. 99 % accurate and results mailed back in 2 weeks Diagnosis

7. Pandemic- a global outbreak of infectious disease. In 2002 alone 5 million people became infected. No cure and treatments can be costly. Knowledge is the first defense against infection.

8. During your teen years, you may feel pressure to experiment with new behaviors, such as engaging in sexual activity or using drugs. Avoid situations and events where drug use or the pressure to engage in sexual activity is likely to occur. Practice Refusal Skills- Be firm, use body language as well as words to get your message across. Choose your relationship carefully. Your actions today can change the entire course of your life. Refusal Skills