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First diagnosed in North America in the early 1980s, AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It attacks and damages the body's immune system, leaving it vulnerable to fatal infections and
cancers. The virus is found in the blood, semen and vaginal fluids of infected persons.
How Spread:
It is spread through sexual intercourse, both vaginal and anal, injection drug use and from a mother to her baby. Oral sex is considered a lower risk. But it's not risk-free because it can enter the bloodstream through sores or cuts in the mouth. Contracting any other STD increases your vulnerability to other diseases, including HIV.
Treatment: Anti-viral drugs help treat HIV and prevent full-blown AIDS but there is no cure.
Prevention:
Do not share needles. Always use latex condoms.
Demographics:
Very small numbers of young people are currently infected with HIV, with a rate of 4.2 per 100,000 for 15- to 19-year-olds and 20 per 100,000 for 20- to 24-year-olds. It's considered a low rate, and stable for young people.
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