HIV/AIDS Education Program, MDCPS, Miami, FL

My friend and I are going to pierce each others ears this weekend. Is this risky?
Piercing any body part can be risky, if you use the same needle on each other. Any time blood, or any body fluid, is introduced into the body; there is risk of transmitting an infectious disease, including HIV/AIDS.
I heard that a man can't get HIV from having vaginal intercourse. Is this true?
No! HIV can be transmitted through any sexual activity where blood or sex fluids are exchanged. Vaginal fluid does contain HIV.
Women don't have to worry about AIDS? Is this true?
No! Statistics show that more and more women are becoming infected. If women are participating in any risky behaviors then they are at risk for getting infected with HIV.
I'm afraid to go for an HIV test. Do I need to know my HIV test results?
The choice is yours. However, many studies have shown that people who know their HIV test results and who are linked to care and treatment, have a better chance of remaining healthy for a longer time.
When I went for an HIV test, they counseled me before and after the test. Why?
Written consent for HIV testing is required by law. Pre-test Counseling is provided to help a person determine their risk, explain the possible test results, and understand the window period. Post test counseling, if negative, is to assist in helping to develop a personalized prevention plan, and if positive to refer to required services.
If two women have sex, could one get HIV from the other?
Yes! If they are engaging in unprotected sex and/or other risky behaviors where there is an exchange of body fluids, they put themselves at risk for HIV infection.
Can I get HIV from donating blood?
No! New, pre-sterilized needles are used each and every time blood is donated. There has never been a case of HIV transmission from donating (giving) blood.
My steady wants me to have sex, but I don't want to. What should I do?
This is a common problem. "No" means "No"! Stick to your values. It is important to learn tips to negotiate for other ways to share your feelings safely. If your steady really cares about you, he/she will understand and respect you. If they don't, then they are not worth you putting your life at risk.
How do I know if I should get a blood test for AIDS?
If you have ever gotten anybody's blood or sex fluids in your body, then you should be tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.
I don't have sex or shoot drugs, so why should I worry about AIDS?
As long as you continue to refrain from all risky behaviors, and no one else's blood or body fluids gets into your body - you're right, you shouldn't have to worry. Remember, however, that many children are born infected with their mother's HIV.
Where can I get a free condom?
Free condoms can be obtained at local Health Departments, University Wellness Centers, and AIDS Services organizations. They are available at your full-service clinics (in certain high-schools), if you and your parents register. Also, there are many community HIV prevention activities where condoms are distributed.
Can my dog get AIDS?
No. HIV is only transmitted between humans.
Our parents are trying to scare us with this AIDS stuff. They just don't want us to have fun. Should I be worried?
AIDS is scary stuff! There are other ways to still have fun safely. If your parents are discussing this with you, it shows that they really care.
I just had the flu. How do I know if it was the start of AIDS?
The flu is the flu-Sorry you had it! If you have not engaged in any risky activities, the flu that you had is not a sign of HIV infection.
Is it true that some people are AIDS carriers, but they'll never get sick?
People wish that this were true. Some people who are infected may take years to display any signs or symptoms. Unless there is a cure, there are no guarantees that a person won't get sick.
+Teacher comment: Will I know if I have a student with AIDS in my class?
Not necessarily. According to M-DCPS Police school policy, are not to be informed of the medical status of students, unless specifically requested by the parents. Proper disclosure forms must be signed and completed. (See page 18 of the AIDS Worksite AIDS Package available at the school site).
+Teacher comment: Do I have to teach students with AIDS?
Yes. According to M-DCPS policy, students with HIV/AIDS are treated in all ways identical to students without HIV/AIDS. There is no risk to teachers or students when a child with AIDS is in the classroom.
How do you use a condom?
There is an approved video called Condom Sense available from the school's AV library, which teaches students about the correct use of condoms. Technical assistance is also available from the HIV/AIDS Education Program. An overhead showing the correct procedure for choosing and using condoms can be found in Appendix I.
If a person with AIDS has a cold, and coughs on me, could I get AIDS?
No! AIDS is not spread in this fashion.
A student cut himself in class and I got blood on me. Should I get an HIV test?
No, intact skin is an effective barrier against the transmission of HIV/AIDS. Follow procedures in the Worksite AIDS Package on page 28-30 when a true exposure occurs. To relieve excessive anxiety, a test may be obtained.
My older brother say AIDS is a gay disease. Is this true?
No. Any person, regardless of their sexual orientation, can get HIV, but only if they participate in behaviors that can transmit the Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
What kind of condom is safe?
No condom is 100% safe. However, latex and polyurethane condoms are highly effective in preventing both pregnancy and STD's, including HIV, when used consistently and correctly.
Why do people talk about steroids? Steroids don't give you AIDS, do they?
Steroids do not transmit HIV. The illicit intravenous (non-medical) injection of steroids is commonly used for bodybuilding. HIV/AIDS can be transmitted when the needle used for steroid injection is shared.
Is tattooing risky for HIV?
Tattooing can transmit HIV when more than one person uses the needles and / or ink.
Teacher comment: I refuse to teach about AIDS! Is this okay?
No. According to MDCPS policy, HIV/AIDS education is mandated to be taught in grades K-12. However, effective teaching of HIV/AIDS prevention requires knowledge and commitment. If you feel that you cannot effectively teach this curriculum, then technical assistance and resources are available through the HIV/AIDS Education Program @ (305) 995-7118.
Parent comment: I don't want my children to take AIDS education. Do they have to?
No, according to Florida Statutes, a parent has the right to excuse their child from the HIV/AIDS curriculum.
+Teacher comment: Can I give AIDS hotline phone numbers to students?
Yes. It is encouraged to provide to interested students the Hotline and resource numbers listed in page 62 of this curriculum.
I heard some lubricants for condoms help kill HIV. What are they?
Lubricants help reduce condom breakage. Traditionally, it has been taught that lubricants and spermicides containing nonoxynol 9 would decrease the risk of HIV transmission. However, recent studies question this finding.
Can you get HIV from open mouth kissing?
It is extraordinarily unlikely that saliva will transmit HIV. However, there is the possibility of transmission during open mouth kissing if there is a chance that blood or blood fluid is present. (For example, gum disease and/or mouth sores).
I'm afraid my dentist is going to give me AIDS. Should I be worried?
Standard dental procedures prevent HIV transmission. If you have any concerns, talk to your dentist. They are required to receive training in universal precautions.
If I play with someone with AIDS, am I going to get infected with HIV?
No! HIV/AIDS is only transmitted when an infected body fluid (blood and sex fluids) is introduced into the body of a non-infected individual. Casual contact, as in play, does not transmit HIV/AIDS.
My dentist/doctor should have to tell me if he/she has HIV. Is this a law?
No. Healthcare workers (including dentists) are not required by law to divulge personnel medical information including their HIV status.
What's the difference between confidential and anonymous testing?
"Anonymous" testing uses no names or personal identifying information. In "confidential" testing, the identity of the person tested is known, but the results are available only to a limited number of authorized individuals.
Can my insurance company require me to take an HIV test?
Yes.
Why aren't parents required by law to tell the school if their child has AIDS?
According to MDCPS policy, parental disclosure of a child's HIV status is not required nor requested. There has never been a documented case of HIV/AIDS in a school setting.
My friends and I want to be blood brothers and sisters. Is this okay?
No! Whenever blood is exchanged between individuals, there is a risk of HIV transmission. Anyone can be HIV infected, even a friend.
Is HIV the only infection you can get from contact with someone else's blood?
No! Many blood borne pathogens, including hepatitis, can be transmitted through blood contact.
Why don't we isolate people with HIV/AIDS? Why do we let kids with HIV/AIDS attend school?
People with HIV/AIDS are protected under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Remember, because there is no risk of HIV/AIDS transmission through casual contact- isolation is not necessary.
Why is anal sex so risky for HIV infection?
Anal sex is risky for HIV infection because the opening to the anus and rectum is tight, and inelastic and therefore, prone to tearing when stretched. If any tears occur in the rectum, HIV can be directly introduced into the blood stream.
Which type of sexual contact has the highest risk of transmission?
Any sexual activity (protected or unprotected) carries risk when infected blood and sex fluids are exchanged. In general unprotected anal intercourse carries a greater risk than unprotected vaginal intercourse, which carries a greater risk than unprotected oral sex. There is only a risk when one or more of the individuals are HIV infected.
How can I help someone with AIDS?
The first step is to become knowledgeable and eliminate misinformation and prejudices relating to HIV/AIDS. Other ways to help include: be a friend to someone with HIV/AIDS., become an HIV Peer Educator, or volunteer at any one of the many community programs providing services to HIV infected individuals.
Can I get HIV from swimming in a pool or hot tub?
No. The HIV virus does not live in these environments.
I've been dating someone for two weeks. We're monogamous, so we don't have to worry about AIDS, right
Wrong. Any person can be HIV infected from previous exposure, including a person you are currently dating, regardless of how long you've been dating. Two non-infected individuals who enter into a mutually monogamous relationship (where sexual activity is limited only to each other) are not at risk for new HIV infection through sexual contact. (Please see question #44 on the Window Period).
If I had unprotected sex yesterday, how long do I have to wait before I know if I was infected with HIV?
According to the CDC, it may take from 3 weeks to 3 months to become positive on an HIV test. This time frame is called the Window Period. During the window period, people can be negative on an HIV/AIDS test and still be infectious to others. The window period is the time between initial infection and when a sufficient quantity of virus, or antibodies, is produced to be detectable in tests.
If I pull out before I ejaculate, can I get HIV/AIDS?
Yes! If your partner has HIV, then anytime your penis comes in contact with blood or sexual fluids from that partner (inside or outside the body), there is a risk for transmission of HIV infection.
If my partner pulls out before ejaculation, can I still become infected with HIV?
Yes. It is possible because HIV is found in pre-ejaculatory fluids of an HIV infected individual.
Can I get AIDS from masturbation (touching your own body)?
No. You can't give yourself HIV/AIDS. Mutual masturbation is also safe; providing there is no exchange of body fluids.
Where did HIV come from?
It is not known where HIV/AIDS came from. The most commonly accepted theory is that an AIDS- like virus crossed into humans from monkeys.
Can you get HIV/AIDS from oral sex?
It is theoretically possible to transmit HIV/AIDS through oral sex. This behavior is still considered to be risky.
How long do people live with HIV/AIDS?
The life span with HIV/AIDS is variable and depends on many of the following factors, among others: General health of the person, genetics, viral strain, viral load, presence or absence of other diseases, the patient's response to anti-HIV/AIDS medications, repeated exposures to the virus, and accessibility to health care.
Will my parents die if they get AIDS?
Yes. Eventually all parents die. A person with HIV/AIDS is at greater risk of dying earlier than a person without HIV/AIDS. It is possible to live decades with HIV/AIDS infection that is appropriately managed and treated.
My steady just got a negative HIV test. It's okay to have sex now, right?
No! A negative HIV test does not make it safe to have unprotected sex. There are many risks in addition to HIV/AIDS that are associated with unprotected sexual activity. Also see question #44 on the "Window Period" (where someone can be test negative and still be infectious).
My dad had a transfusion. Will he get HIV/AIDS?
It is extremely rare for someone to get HIV/AIDS from a transfusion today. Over 13 million transfusions occur each year, and 99.99% do NOT transmit HIV. If there is any concern, he should be tested. Please remember, a person cannot get HIV by giving (donating) blood.
I take birth control pills so I don't have to worry about AIDS, right?
Wrong! Birth control pills do not prevent transmission of HIV or other STD's.
Can you tell whether someone has AIDS just by looking at them?
No.
Can you get AIDS through saliva?
Although HIV can be detected in saliva, it is believed there are insufficient quantities to transmit the virus and there has NEVER been a documented case of this mode of transmission.
Can you get AIDS from mosquito bites?
No. There has never been a documented case of a mosquito transmitting HIV.
How do you know if you have HIV/AIDS?
The only way to know for sure is to take an HIV/AIDS test and be evaluated by a knowledgeable physician.
How does a mother give HIV to her baby?
HIV can be transmitted from the mother to the baby ONLY if the mother is infected with HIV. There are several possible ways to transmit HIV from an infected mother to her baby. It could occur at the time of natural delivery as the baby passes through the birth canal. It could also occur during the last trimester of pregnancy if there is a mixing of mother and fetal blood (normally the two blood systems are separate and do not mix). A third possible way is during an Amniocentesis. Another possible way is through breast-feeding her child after birth.
What are some of the ways that you can stay healthy after becoming infected with HIV?
A person with HIV/AIDS can do many things to stay healthy. They include: routine health visits; developing a strong patient/doctor relationship; follow treatment recommendations; develop and maintain good health habits i.e., diet, exercise, rest, etc.; establish effective emotional support; avoid circumstances where re-infection is possible.
Why do people share needles?
Sharing of needles can be part of the drug culture and may be influenced by economic considerations. The use of previously used needles is never recommended and is unsafe. Many people who re-use needles are not educated about, or ignore, the risk.
+What is the best way to stay safe from HIV/AIDS?
Except for those people born with HIV, the best way to avoid HIV/AIDS infection is to refrain from any risky behaviors. See section on transmission; page 22.
Can you contract HIV from a toilet seat?
No.
+How many people in Miami-Dade have HIV/AIDS?
Miami-Dade out ranks (within the top three) almost all major cities in rates of HIV infection. For the latest HIV Surveillance Report, please contact (305) 324-2459. See additional information (updated yearly) in Appendix IV.
How would you define oral sex?
Oral sex is any activity where a person's mouth is put on or in another person's genitals. (Penis/scrotum, vulva/vagina, anus).
+What are the symptoms of HIV?
See page 19.
+What are the symptoms of AIDS?
See page 20.
What determines how long before HIV becomes full-blown AIDS?
The time between HIV infection and the development of AIDS varies from months to decades. The following may help to prolong the time before AIDS is manifested: routine health visits; developing a strong patient/doctor relationship; follow treatment recommendations; develop and maintain good health habits i.e., diet, exercise, rest, etc.; establish effective emotional support; avoid circumstances where re-infection is possible.
Why can a mother be HIV positive and not her baby?
The blood circulation of the fetus is completely separate from the mother. Giving anti-HIV/AIDS medications to the mother during the third trimester of pregnancy will reduce the risk of HIV transmission to the baby. In addition, birth by caesarian section caries less risk of transmission to the baby than vaginal delivery.
Why is Magic Johnson not becoming ill?
Magic Johnson, like many others living with HIV, has responded well to newer drug regimens that has reduced his viral load. Although the virus may become undetectable in the bloodstream by using some HIV tests, Magic Johnson, like many others, is still infected and could transmit the virus to others.
Why can't they find a cure for HIV/AIDS?
There are many diseases where there is no cure. Therefore, HIV is not unique. HIV is a viral disease and, to date, there is no cure for viral illnesses. Effective anti-viral treatments are available which limit symptoms and disease progression. The HIV virus mutates frequently, making it difficult to find an effective vaccine to prevent the disease. The HIV virus is a retrovirus that inserts itself into the host cells and becomes part of the genetic material of those cells. It is almost impossible to eliminate the virus from the cell without killing the cell itself. If all infected cells were destroyed, the patient would die. However, current therapies make it possible for people living with HIV or AIDS to live long and productive lives.
Is the AIDS epidemic getting worse?
From a worldwide perspective the AIDS epidemic is of catastrophic proportions. In under-developed countries the impact of the epidemic will continue to dominate medical, social, economic and political aspects of their culture well into the future. In the United States where interventions are more available and economically feasible, the number of new cases and people dying is leveling off. This does not mean that the epidemic is over. Each individual must continue to be knowledgeable and protect himself or herself against exposure, infection or re-infection.
What are the chances that someone at my school is HIV positive?
Any school, like any business, or other organization, could have people who are infected with HIV. You cannot tell by looking at someone if they have HIV infection. However, there has never been a documented case of HIV transmission in usual school activities.
Is it possible to become infected by wearing an infected person's contact lenses?
It is theoretically possible to transmit HIV by wearing an infected person's contact lenses. In addition, other infectious diseases can be transmitted in this manner. Therefore, sharing contact lenses is not recommended.
Is it possible to become infected if a manicure attendant does not properly clean her utensils and equipment?
Yes. However, most manicurists are licensed and trained in infectious disease control.
What cells in our immune system gets infected with HIV?
Any cell that contains a CD-4 (see page 21) receptor site can become infected with HIV. The most common cells infected are the T-helper lymphocyte of the immune system and the cells of the Central Nervous System.
What are antibodies?
Antibodies are proteins that are produced by the body to protect itself against a foreign substance. HIV antibody is a protein that is produced by the immune system directed against the HIV virus. However, the HIV antibody is a "non-neutralizing antibody", meaning that it is not 100% effective in destroying HIV. In addition, antibodies are not usually effective against viruses that live predominately within cells.
+What happens to the immune system when HIV enters our body?
Please refer to the section on Pathophysiology on page 21 of this curriculum. In general the immune system is severely compromised, limiting the body's ability to fight infections and prevent the development of some cancers.
How many T-cells are in the immune system normally?
There are normally trillions of T-Cells in your body at any one time. Physicians measure T-Cells per micro-liter of blood. A normal T-Cell count ranges between 800-1500 per micro-liter. A low T-Cell count (less than 200 per micro-liter) can be seen with active HIV infection. However, low T-Cell counts may occur with many other infections or diseases.
What is the next safest method for HIV prevention after abstinence?
There are many ways to practice safe sex. Hugging, kissing, masturbation, mutual masturbation, flirting, massaging, dancing, talking, reading, bathing, fantasying, etc. are all 100% safe. Any activity where there is no exchange of blood and sex fluids is safe.
Why aren't condoms 100% effective?
Condom failures are usually caused by improper and inconsistent use or breakage. Latex and polyurethane are recommended.
+What types of HIV tests are there?
Testing for HIV is complex. Please see the HIV testing section of this curriculum on page 31 for details.
What is the window period?
The "Window Period" is a period of time between initial infection and when a sufficient quantity of virus or antibody is produced to be detectable on tests. During the window period people can be negative on a test and still be infectious to others.
+What does a negative, positive, or inconclusive test result mean?
Please see the HIV testing section of this curriculum on page 31.
What is the orasure test?
It is a new test that uses oral mucosal fluids to look for the HIV antibody.
Why is it that some people have repeated exposure to the HIV virus and do not become infected?
Exposure does not always mean infection. The major contributing factors include: genetics; viral strength; viral load; modes of transmission; immune system condition; co-existing diseases; co-factors.
What are some options if students don't want to tell their parents about their HIV status?
Living with HIV is extraordinary difficult and requires medical, emotional, social and economic support. Parents need to be involved in the variety of decisions a student with HIV must face. Referrals and support from community agencies are also available to assist the student.

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