AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a condition that gradually destroys the body's immune system and ability to fight off disease. The term is often used to describe a wide range of infections and symptoms that can take hold when the body is unable to protect itself. Most of these illnesses are treatable, and some are preventable. Scientists believe that AIDS and the infections associated with it are caused by a virus known as HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). This virus can only be transmitted in four ways: 1) having unsafe sex 2) sharing a needle or syringe with an infected person 3) from a mother to her unborn or nursing child and 4) from infected blood or blood products. New drugs appear to be very effective in fighting HIV virus, but there is still no cure. New treatments, including the so-called "cocktail" combination therapies are expensive and have toxic side effects. Prevention remains the most effective way to fight AIDS. STAYING SAFE: By and large, the spread of HIV can be prevented by following two precautions: practice safer sex and don't share needles. Safer Sex at its most basic means properly using a latex condom every time you engage in vaginal or anal intercourse. You should also use a latex barrier for oral sex with a man or a woman. If you inject drugs, only use new needles, or ones that have been properly cleaned with bleach. WHY DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AIDS? The AIDS epidemic is perhaps the worst health crisis in history. In addition to the obvious human tragedy, AIDS has attracted a lot of unfortunate misunderstanding and prejudice which makes all aspects of health education and treatment more difficult. Worst of all, prejudice has hurt people living with HIV or AIDS, their friends and loved ones almost as much as has the virus itself. Therefore, the fight against AIDS is a social cause which has gone beyond being a medical emergency to involve fundamental human rights and personal dignity. People infected with HIV are our friends and neighbors; they are people in our offices and schools, churches and synagogues. They are our children, our parents, our brothers and sisters. They live in every state and community in every nation. Each of us must learn how to prevent infection with HIV, how to support the people around us who are HIV-infected, and how to make sure that our national, state, and local governments deal sensibly with this insidious disease. For more information about HIV and AIDS, please visit one of the organizations listed in our LINKS section.