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. Even though males account for the largest proportion (81%) of AIDS cases reported among Hispanic Americans/Latinos in the United States, the number of cases among females is rising. Females represent 19% of all AIDS cases among Hispanic Americans/Latinos, but account for 23% of cases reported in 2000 alone. And the rate of HIV infection is seven times higher in Hispanic American/Latina women than in White women. For the largest proportion (47%) of adult and adolescent Hispanic American/Latina women with AIDS, heterosexual contact (mostly with injection drug users) is the cause for their disease. Injection drug use accounts for an additional 40% of AIDS cases among Hispanic American/Latina women.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (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.

1. 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.

2. HIV/AIDS Among Hispanics in the United States - This publication contains statistical facts about HIV/AIDS prevalence among Hispanics in the United States. Also included are historical trends and information about building better prevention programs.

3. 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.

4. ¿Pueden las Barreras Ayudar en la Prevención del VIH? (Copyright © University of Califrornia) - Esta hoja de datos resume la evidencia del éxito de barreras (el condón, la película de latex, el condón femenino) en la prevención del VIH.

5. ¿Qué necesitan los latinos en EE.UU. para la prevención del VIH? (Copyright © University of Califrornia) - En EE.UU., los latinos (incluyendo los habitantes de Puerto Rico) se ven desproporcionadamente afectados por el VIH, ya que representan el 18% de todos los casos de SIDA aún cuando sólo son el 14% de la población. Esta hoja de datos resume las posibles causas de esta desmedida y qué está haciendo para reducir la taza de infección en la gente latina.

6. What Are U.S. Latinos' HIV Prevention Needs? (Copyright © University of Califrornia) - Latinos in the US (including residents of Puerto Rico) are disproportionately affected by HIV, accounting for 18% of total AIDS cases while comprising 14% of the US population. This fact sheet summarizes risk factors and cultural issues contributing to this disparity, and gives some examples of what's being done to resolve the problem.

Organizations

1. American Red Cross: HIV/AIDS Education

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

3. CDC National Prevention Information Network

4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

5. National Alliance for Hispanic Health

6. National Council of La Raza

7. National Minority AIDS Council, NMAC

8. Office of Minority Health, OPHS, OS, HHS

9. Office on Women's Health, HHS