AIDS on campus: Q & A

Q: I’M NOT HOMOSEXUAL, I DON’T USE IV DRUGS AND I’VE LIVED IN IDAHO MY WHOLE LIFE.  AM I AT RISK OF GETTING AIDS?

A: Unfortunately, HIV (the virus that causes aids) does not discriminate by sexual preference, residence, sex, religion, race or age.  It is not who or what you are or where you live, that puts you at risk, but what you do.  Check your behavior against the following questions to see if you are at risk of contracting HIV or other STDs:

1)      Have you been married for less than 10 years?

2)      Have you had multiple sex partners?

3)      Have you had a blood transfusion?

4)      Have you ever had sex with someone who has had a blood transfusion?

5)      Have you ever shared needles for drugs (including steroids)?

6)      Have you ever had sex with someone who has shared needles?

7)      Have you ever had a sexually transmitted disease?

8)      Have you ever had sex with someone whose sex, drug or transfusion history is unknown to you?

9)      Is there a chance that your sexual partner has lied to you about other partners or drug use?

10)  Do you drink alcohol or use other drugs?

11)  Do you use a condom with spermicide containing nonoxynol-9 every time you have sex?

12)  Do you use a condom or other latex barrier (dental dam) every time you have oral or anal sex.

If you answered “yes” to any one of the questions 1-10 or “no” to questions 11 or 12  you are at risk for HIV infection and/or other STDs.  If you believe that you may be at risk you should contact one of the following resources:  The LCSC Student Health Service, The North Central District Health Department at 1221 “F” Street, your private physician, the National AIDS Hotline at 1-800-342-AIDS, or the Idaho AIDS Foundation at 1-800-677-AIDSS.

~Condoms are available in Student Health Services at no charge~