Questions & Answers for Young People
To help you answer questions that might be raised by your child or other family members, here are some commonly asked questions with scientifically correct answers:
- If somebody in my class at school has AIDS, am I likely to get it too?
No. HIV is spread by unprotected sex, needle sharing, or infected blood. It can also
be given by an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding.
People infected with HIV cannot pass the virus to others through ordinary school
activities such as:
- showering together in the gym locker room
- playing sports
- sharing water bottles
- sharing utensils
You will not become infected with HIV just by attending school with someone who
is infected with HIV or who has AIDS.
- Can I become infected with HIV from "French" kissing?
There is the potential, especially when either partner has advanced gum disease or
other conditions where blood is present, for contact with blood during "French" or
open-mouth kissing. For this reason, experts recommend against engaging in this
activity with a person known to be infected with HIV. However, the risk of acquiring
HIV during open-mouth kissing is believed to be very low. CDC has investigated
only one case of HIV infection that may be attributed to contact with blood during
open-mouth kissing.
- Can I get HIV from a toilet seat or other things I use a lot?
No. HIV does not live on toilet seats or other everyday objects. You do not have to
worry about doorknobs, phones, money, or drinking fountains.
- Can I get HIV from a mosquito or other insect?
No. You won't get HIV from bites from mosquitoes. The AIDS virus does not live in
a mosquito, and it is not transmitted through a mosquito's salivary glands like other
diseases such as malaria or yellow fever. You won't get it from bedbugs, lice, flies, or
other insects, either.
- If I have never injected drugs and have had sexual intercourse only with a
person of the opposite sex, could I have become infected with HIV?
Yes. You do not have to be homosexual or use drugs to become infected. Both males
and females can become infected and transmit the virus to a male or female through
sex. If a previous sex partner, of either sex, was infected, you may be infected as well.
- Can I become infected with HIV from oral sex?
It is possible, though not as likely as infection through anal or vaginal sex.
- Oral sex often involves semen, vaginal secretions, or blood—fluids that contain HIV.
- HIV can be transmitted when someone gets semen, vaginal secretions, or blood from an infected person into his or her body.
- During oral sex, the virus could enter the body through tiny cuts or tears in the mouth.
- Condoms or other protective barriers should be used to prevent contact with body fluids.
- A friend of mine told me that as long as I am taking birth control pills, I will
never get HIV infection. Is this true?
No. Birth control pills do not protect against HIV. You can become infected with
HIV while you are taking birth control pills. The only sure way not to become
infected is to:
- abstain from having sex
- avoid needle sharing
- not have unprotected sex
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, can prevent HIV infection
and other STDs. Use them the right way every time you have sex.
Even if you are taking the Pill, you should use a latex condom unless you and your
partner are sure that neither is infected with HIV.
You can't be sure that you don't have HIV unless you are tested for the presence of
HIV antibodies. In most people who are infected with HIV, it takes up to three
months to develop enough antibodies to be detectable on the test. In some people,
it could take up to six months. Until you are sure you and your partner are not
infected with HIV, you should continue to use condoms if you have sex.
- My friend has anal sex with her boyfriend so that she won't get pregnant.
She won't get AIDS from doing that, right?
Wrong. Anal intercourse with an infected partner is one of the ways HIV has most
often been spread. Whether you are male or female, anal sex is very risky.
- Is it possible to become infected with HIV by donating blood?
No. There is absolutely no risk of HIV infection from donating blood in the United
States. All blood donation centers use a new, sterile needle for each donation.
- I had a blood transfusion after 1985. Is it likely that I am infected with HIV?
No, it is unlikely. All blood donations have been tested for antibodies to HIV since
1985. The American Red Cross and other established blood collection centers use
an extensive two-part screening process of all prospective blood donors. The donor
is asked about his or her likelihood of being infected through his or her behavior.
If the person's answers reveal that he or she may have a chance of having HIV, he or
she is not permitted to donate blood. If the answers reveal no risk of HIV infection,
the person is able to donate blood.
Once the blood is donated, it is tested for the presence of antibodies to HIV, including
other infections and diseases. All blood donations that test positive for HIV are
discarded. Today, the American blood supply is extremely safe.
If you are still concerned about the very small possibility of HIV infection from a
transfusion, you should see your doctor or seek counseling about getting an HIV
antibody test. Call the CDC National AIDS Hotline, 1-800-342-AIDS (2437), or your
local health department to find out about counseling and testing sites in your area.
- I think I might have gotten infected two months ago when I had sex without
a condom with someone I didn't know. Should I get an HIV test?
Yes. You should talk to a counselor (doctor or professional health care worker at a
testing site) about the need for HIV testing. Or you can call the CDC INFO line 1-800-CDC-INFO, to find out where you can go in your area to get counseling about an HIV test.
Remember, due to the period between infection and development of antibodies (the
seroconversion or window period), you could be infected with HIV and not show it
on a test. You can infect others during this time.
- As long as I use a latex condom during sex, I won't get HIV infection, right?
If you choose to have sex, a latex condom can provide protection from HIV. Latex condoms have been shown to prevent HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. You have to use them consistently and correctly each time you have sex—vaginal, anal, or oral
- What is the proper way to use a condom?
You can greatly lower your chances of infection with HIV or any other STD if you
follow this list of simple instructions:
Use a latex condom consistently and correctly every time you have sex—anal,
vaginal, or oral. Latex serves as a physical barrier to the virus. "Lambskin" or "natural
membrane" condoms are not as good because of the pores in the material. Look for
"latex" or "for disease prevention" on the package. If you have allergies to latex,
there is a new polyurethane (a type of plastic) condom available to help prevent
HIV infection. Lab testing has shown that particles as small as sperm and HIV
cannot pass through polyurethane. Polyurethane condoms are made of the same
material as the female condom. The female condom is another alternative to male
latex condoms and should be used as directed on the package.
As soon as the penis becomes erect (hard), put the latex condom on it. If the penis is
uncircumcised, pull the foreskin back before putting on the condom. Make sure you
read the directions on the package.
Leave a small space in the top of the latex condom to catch the semen, or use a latex
condom with a reservoir tip. Remove any air that remains in the tip by gently pressing
the tip toward the base of the penis.
When you use a lubricant, check the label to make sure it is water-based. Do not use
petroleum-based jelly, cold cream, baby oil, or other lubricants such as cooking oil
or shortening. These weaken the latex condom and can cause it to break.
- If you feel the condom break while you are having sex, stop immediately and
pull out. Do not continue until you have taken the broken condom off and
put on a new condom.
- After climax (ejaculation), withdraw while the penis is still erect, holding onto
the rim of the condom while pulling out so that it doesn't come off.
- Tie and wrap the condom (in paper if available); then throw in wastebasket
and wash your hands.
- Never use a condom more than once.
- Don't use a condom that is brittle or that has been stored near heat or in your
wallet or glove compartment for a long time. Check the package for date of
expiration.
- Practice using a condom prior to being with a partner. Knowing how to use a
condom before intercourse will make the whole process safer for you and your
partner.
- Talk early. Scientific research shows the importance of communication about
condoms prior to sexual initiation.
- What do I do if I think I am infected with HIV?
Remember, you must have done things that put you at risk for HIV infection. Those
behaviors include:
- sharing needles with an infected person
- having unprotected sex with an infected person
The only way to know if you have HIV is to be tested.
Your doctor may advise you to be counseled and tested if you have hemophilia or
received a blood transfusion between 1978 and 1985. If you are worried, talk to
someone about getting an HIV test that will show if you are infected. That person
might be a parent, doctor, or other health care provider, or someone who works at
an AIDS counseling and testing center.
Call the CDC INFO line, 1-800-CDC-INFO, to find out where you can go in your area to get counseling about an HIV test. You don't have to give your name, and the call is free. You can also call your State or local health department. The number is under "Health Department" in the government section of your
telephone book.
