SYMPTOMS

There are NO symptoms of HIV.
This means that someone can become INFECTED with HIV and NOT KNOW untill many years later.

During the initial stages of HIV infection a vast majority of people do not experience symptoms that are serious enough to require a doctor's attention.

An HIV test may even turn out to be negative.

However, once they have contracted the virus that person will still be able to pass it on to their partner.


However, the SYMPTOMS of AIDS include:
  • Fever
  • Headaches
  • Tiredness
  • Nausea
  • Long lasting Diarrhoea
  • Enlarged Lymph nodes (organs that form part of the immune system that can be felt in the armpits, groin and neck)
  • Recurring vaginal yeast infections
  • Rapid, unexplained weight loss of over 10 pounds
  • Recurring skin rashes
  • Vulnerability to certain kinds of cancers

The A B C's of Prevention

 

Protecting yourself from HIV/AIDS is as simple as knowing your A B C's.

KNOW THE A B C's OF PREVENTION!!!

A-bstain.

A moment of pleasure isn't worth the pain and emotional anguish that comes with contracting HIV. Why play a risky game of life or death with the person you claim to love?

B-Faithful.

Firstly, you should be faithful to yourself, your health and your goals in life. Secondly, if you are sexually active ALWAYS practice being faithful to one partner. This is not entirely foolproof as your partner may not be truthful about past sexual encounters BUT being faithful to one partner can significantly reduce your risk of becoming infected.

C-hoose.

Try to make wise choices in everything you do. Don't let pressure by freinds or peers force you to do something you will later regret. Also, choose your partner carefully. Take a close look at their habits, friends and lifestyle and ensure that they get tested.

If love is really there choose LIFE!

Take a stand to protect yourself and the people you love from the terrible realities of HIV/AIDS.

And remember at the end of the day after all is said and done,

No Sex = No AIDS.

HIV/AIDS cannot be sexually transmitted if you are not active. This is the SAFEST method of protection.