HIV/Aids awareness quiz

How much do you know about HIV and AIDS? Try taking the following true-or-false quiz. You may be surprised at how much you know.

#1. Infection with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is decreasing.

False. HIV continues to increase throughout the world. However, in certain countries, and certain groups of people, there has been a decrease in HIV transmission due to education and changing of risky behavior. Clearly, education that results in behavior changes, can decrease the spread of the AIDS virus.

#2. Heterosexual women are at low risk of acquiring HIV.

False. Heterosexual women are the fastest growing group of people with HIV. Steps that can prevent transmission of the HIV virus include: The use of condoms, HIV testing, and having a single sexual partner. However, no sexually active person is totally risk-free.

#3. Adolescents now account for one out of four new cases of HIV in the United States.

True. Adolescents seem to be increasingly at risk, due to high-risk sexual behavior, as well as drug use.

#4. HIV is easily prevented.

True. Steps that can prevent transmission of the HIV virus include: the use of condoms, having a single sexual partner, not using intravenous drugs, and not sharing needles. HIV can be prevented.

#5. HIV is treatable.

True. There are many new drugs available to treat HIV. If you are HIV positive, it is important to get regular health care and take your medications as instructed.

#6. Babies can get HIV from their moms.

True. Women who are HIV positive can pass the virus to their unborn child. Babies born to HIV-infected women may become infected before or during birth or through breastfeeding after birth.

#7. HIV/AIDS can be transmitted by body-piercing or tattooing.

True. If the needles used for body-piercing or tattooing have been contaminated by the HIV/AIDS virus and are being re-used.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File HEAL4658.RF2 VRS# 4658 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2002-2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.