HIV/AIDS S. Jett, NBCT Montevallo Middle School

Bellringer What are HIV and AIDS?

HIV/AIDS HIV – human immunodeficiency virus is the virus that causes AIDS. AIDS – acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease that interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections. HIV attacks t cells. A person can have the virus for years without knowing it. This is how people spread it to others.

The spread of HIV It is not transmitted through casual contact but through – 1.Having any form of sexual intercourse with an infected person 2.Using a contaminated needle 3.Pregnancy can transmit the virus.

How HIV is NOT spread 1.Swimming in a pool with infected persons 2.Sharing utensils 3.Breathing the air near an infected person 4.Donating blood 5.Being bitten by a mosquito 6.Hugging and shaking hands with infected persons 7.Using the same facilities and equipment

Fighting AIDS AIDS continues to be a problem around the world. Millions of adults have died of AIDS. In the US, over 14,000 people die of the disease. With the development of new drugs, people with AIDS can live longer and healthier lives, but there is still NO cure, and the drugs are very expensive. The best weapon to fight HIV/AIDS is knowledge.

Abstinence and HIV The more sexual partners a person has, the more likely it is that the person will become infected with an STD such as HIV. Use your refusal skills. Stay away from people who encourage you to make dangerous decisions. Abstinence from risky behaviors, especially sexual activity is the responsible choice for teens. It could save your life!

January Blog We have gone over several strategies that might help teens deal with problems. Choose one of them or another one that you may know of and tell us why you have used it and how it worked, and/or why you would be most likely use this particular strategy when faced with difficult decisions. Examples – HELP - strategy for decision-making STOP – refusal strategy Goal setting Stress management techniques