December 1 is World AIDS Day

Every adolescent who has had sex or injected drugs is at risk for HIV the virus that causes AIDS. It is important to get tested. Thankfully, due to outreach programs and education, progress is being made but it is not enough. There is more work to be done. It is important to limit or stop high risk behavior. High risk behavior is having multiple sex partners, not using condoms, and drug use.

According to the CDC :Trends in HIV- and STD-Related Risk Behaviors Among High School Students --- United States, 1991--2007
Persons who engage in unprotected sexual intercourse or use injection drugs are at increased risk for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Changes in HIV- and STD-related risk behaviors among high school students in the United States during 1991--2005 were reported previously. During 1991--2007, the percentage of U.S. high school students who ever had sexual intercourse decreased 12%, the percentage who had sexual intercourse with four or more persons during their lifetime decreased 20%, and the percentage who were currently sexually active decreased 7%. Among students who were currently sexually active, the prevalence of condom use increased 33%. However, these changes in risk behaviors were not observed in some subgroups. In addition, no changes were detected in the prevalence of sexual risk behaviors from 2005 to 2007, and many students still engaged in behaviors that place them at risk for HIV infection and STDs.