You get HIV by exchanging body fluids with someone who's already infected. This means you can get HIV by

• having sex with an infected partner (male, female or transgender.)
• sharing needles (for tattooing, piercing, or drugs) with an infected person;

HIV doesn't care who you're having sex with or who you're sharing needles with. Once HIV is in your bloodstream, that's it -- you're infected also. Mom's who have it can also pass it on to an unborn baby.

The best way to find our if you have HIV is to go get tested. If you want more information give us a call at 202.543.9355 and we'd be happy to tell you more.

AIDS is a result of being infected with HIV. AIDS is a disease which destroys your body's immune system. This means that people with AIDS can't fight off illnesses. The sorts of things that aren't a big deal to healthy people, like the common cold, are very dangerous to AIDS patients.

Just because you can't see or cure AIDS doesn't mean there's nothing you can do about it.

Here are some ideas starting with the ones that will keep you the safest!

Don't have sex. Abstaining from sex is the best way to keep yourself free from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

If you haven't had sex yet, consider waiting until you are in a committed relationship with the same person for more than 6 months. Then if you feel ready to have sex, both of you can go get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

If you're already sexually active, consider taking a break from sex until you feel ready to handle sex. Even adults take breaks from being sexual.

Using a condom during sex can protect you from getting the virus.

Need some ideas on how to talk to your partner about using condoms? Try this cool link.

Check out the Lifestyles Condom site for more information on how to use condoms correctly.

So can using clean needles if you're shooting drugs.

It's always worth getting a professional to do your tattoo or your piercing. Make sure that all needles come from a fresh sterile package and that new ink is used for every tattoo.

AIDS can happen to you -- protect yourself.