"Women are not much at risk for HIV/AIDS."

In 2000 almost one-third of new HIV-positive diagnoses in the United States were among women. In 1990 Latinas with AIDS made up only 15% of new AIDS cases reported among all Latinos, but by 2000 that number had grown to 23%. Young Latinas, 13-19 years old, are diagnosed with HIV more often than Latino males of the same age. Women's use of injected drugs, a very high-risk behavior, is on the rise, and unprotected heterosexual intercourse seems to be alarmingly common. A woman’s delicate vaginal tissue can easily tear, making her vulnerable to sexually transmitted infection. Even if a woman is married/in a monogamous heterosexual relationship, an unfaithful husband/lover can put her at risk of contracting HIV, especially if he does drugs or has unprotected sex with multiple partners.

The spread of HIV/AIDS is 100% preventable.
Unprotected sexual intercourse is the most common way people are infected with HIV,
followed by sharing needles or syringes.
Don't practice unsafe sex.
Don't share needles.
Communicate openly with your partner.
Avoid risky behavior.
The more we educate ourselves about HIV/AIDS, the more we can help others and ourselves.

"You can tell if people have HIV/AIDS because they look sick."

"It's OK to drink or get high without worrying about AIDS."

National AIDS Hotline:
1-800-232-4636
TTY: 1-888-232-6348
Email: cdcinfo@cdc.gov