HIV/AIDS

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV weakens your immune system, which makes it hard for your body to fight off other health problems that it could normally resist. As time goes on, your body becomes less capable of fighting off diseases. HIV is the leading cause of death for African American women between the ages of 25 and 44.

CDC recommends taking these steps to protect yourself:

• If you are sexually active (having oral, anal, or vaginal sex), use latex condoms to reduce your chances of getting HIV.

• Drug users who cannot or will not stop injecting drugs should use new, sterile syringes to prepare and inject drugs.

• If you are getting a tattoo or having your body pierced, ask what procedures they use to prevent the spread of HIV.