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.

Publications

1. Frequently Asked Questions - Women and HIV/AIDS - This fact sheet answers common concerns about HIV such as how a person can become infected, risk to babies of HIV mothers with HIV, how HIV is transmitted, signs of HIV infection, the difference between HIV and AIDS, testing, treatment and how to protect yourself from the virus.

2. HIV Infection in Minority Population - This fact sheet addresses the growing number of reported AIDS cases in minority communities, clinical research that has been done, and epidemiologic research.

3. HIV Infection In Women - AIDS is the fourth leading cause of death for women aged 25 to 44 in the United States. This fact sheet addresses the special concerns that women with HIV face.

4. HIV/AIDS Among African Americans - This publication contains statistical information about the population of African American men infected with HIV/AIDS in the United States. Also discussed are the interrelated challenges to prevention in African American communities.

5. HIV/AIDS Among US Women: Minority and Young Women at Continuing Risk - This fact sheet summarizes the continued risk of HIV infection that faces minority women today. It addresses the risk factors (heterosexual contact, especially with drug users), and the prevention needs for women, and lists other helpful sources of information.

6. On the Front Lines: Fighting HIV/AIDS in African-American Communities - African Americans are almost ten times more likely to be diagnosed with AIDS than whites, and there is evidence that this disparity is increasing. This document responds to the growing rates of new HIV infection among African Americans. It outlines the CDC's commitment to work with African-American community groups and other govenmental agencies to reduce this threat. This resource contains a summary of the history of HIV in the United States, statistical data, and a review of resources and programs being employed to make a difference.

7. What Are Women's HIV Prevention Needs? (Copyright © University of Califrornia) - This fact sheet contains information on what places women at risk for HIV infection, barriers to prevention, different methods of protection, and what needs to be done to decrease the transmission of HIV. Discusses abstinence, barrier methods and microbicides.

Organizations

1. American Red Cross African American HIV/AIDS Program

2. Black Women's Health Online

3. CDC National AIDS Hotline, ASHA, NCHSTP, CDC, HHS

4. CDC National Prevention Information Network

5. National Minority AIDS Council, NMAC

6. Women Organized to Respond to Life-threatening Diseases (WORLD)