True or false: Now that drugs are available to treat AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), this sexually transmitted disease is not much of a threat for most Americans.

The answer is false, but AIDS experts worry that too many people believe otherwise — and have become less careful about protecting themselves. Research shows that those who believe new drugs will keep them well if they do become infected by the virus that causes AIDS may choose not to practice safe sex. And that is a dangerous choice.

The Truth About AIDS
New drug treatments can delay the effects of AIDS and are helping patients live longer. But the reality is that no medicine can cure AIDS or the virus that causes it, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Once inside the body, HIV destroys immune system cells, making it difficult to fight off illness.

AIDS remains a deadly epidemic worldwide. In the United States, more than 40,000 Americans are infected with HIV every year. Extensive research has shown that people with HIV are almost certain to develop AIDS over time. About 18,000 Americans died of AIDS in 2003. What’s more, experts say that as many as 280,000 other Americans may be infected with HIV and don’t know it — which means their sexual partners are also unaware.

Testing Is Easier
One breakthrough in HIV detection is a rapid oral HIV test that may encourage more people to get tested. Available from healthcare providers, this test uses no needles or blood samples. You also don’t have to wait a long time for results. With this new test, the inside of your mouth is gently swabbed. A positive or negative reading is available within 20 minutes. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, ask your doctor about this test.

Prevention Works
Protecting yourself from HIV begins with understanding how the virus is spread. The infection can be passed only:

• During sex (vaginal, anal or oral) with an HIV-infected person
• By sharing a contaminated needle (such as through illicit drug use)
• To a baby during pregnancy or birth or through breast-feeding if the mother is infected with HIV
• Through a contaminated blood transfusion (rare)

It’s important to note that donated blood in the United States has long been tested for HIV and is considered very safe. Also, if a pregnant woman knows she is HIVpositive, her medical team can now take special steps to help prevent her baby from becoming infected.

To protect yourself, choose a lifestyle that keeps you at low risk for HIV. In general:

• Do not have sex with people who have HIV or whom you suspect may have HIV.
• Do not have sex with people who inject illegal drugs or who have multiple partners.
• Use a condom when having sex, unless you and your partner are not infected and are in a monogamous relationship (you are having no sexual contact with other people). Remember that condoms can break, so they do not guarantee your safety.
• Avoid anal intercourse, unless you are in a monogamous relationship.
• When in doubt, ask your partner to be tested for HIV and get tested yourself.

To learn more, visit www.cdc.gov/hiv.