December 1st is World AIDS Day

First observed in 1988, World AIDS Day is a day to unite to help end HIV and remember those lost to AIDS-related illnesses. Keep reading for ways to prevent AIDS and support anyone that may be living with HIV or AIDS-related illnesses.

What is HIV? How are HIV and AIDS related?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person living with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex (sex without a condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug equipment. If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

How is HIV spread?

Direct contact with bodily fluids such as blood, anus fluids, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk can transmit HIV if they enter the bloodstream of an HIV-negative person via a mucous membrane, such as the vagina, rectum, penis, or mouth. Other ways for it to enter the bloodstream include via open sores or cuts, as well as, transmission via sharing a needle or syringe.

How can HIV be prevented?

In 2019, adults ages 18-24 were found to have the highest percentage of people with HIV who had sex without using any HIV prevention strategy in the past 12 months. It's important to use protection when engaging in sexual activities. This is one strategy to help prevent HIV/AIDS.

Read this OHP blog post for more information on how to protect yourself during sexual activities and to learn about other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Most college students have never been tested for HIV despite regularly engaging in unprotected sexual activities and typically doing so with multiple partners. Help be a part of the change by getting tested and encouraging your community to also get tested. You and your partner(s) should both get tested regularly. Spread the word by encouraging your friends, partner(s), and loved ones about the importance of getting tested often.

If you or someone you know is living with HIV or AIDS, check out this NACCHO article that provides resources for college students living with HIV. The guide includes the following information:

• HIV: Helping Students Understand the Basics

• Living with HIV in College

• Facing Discrimination with HIV

• HIV & Maintaining Health at College

• Youth HIV/AIDS: By the Numbers

• Scholarships & Grants for Students Living with HIV

• HIV Prevention: How to Minimize Your Risk 

Want more information? Access the CDC Risk Reduction Tool and read answers to FAQs.

Nervous about getting tested? Read about what to expect.

Office of Health Promotion

The Office of Health Promotion, in collaboration with the Health Department, will be hosting Worlds AIDS Day Testing on Thursday, December 1, 2022, 12 - 5 PM in the Center for Well-Being. During this event, you can visit our Relaxation Zone in the Center for Well-Being Lobby to learn more about HIV/AIDS prevention while waiting for your test results. Visit theOHP myUMBCpage for up-to-date offerings.