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| Q: |
How many teenagers have AIDS and how
big a problem is AIDS among teenagers? |
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A: |
As of June 2001,
4,219 U.S. teenagers had
developed the AIDS virus as a result of being HIV
positive. This number does not account for those teens
who have the HIV infection, but have not yet developed
AIDS. Because of the length of time between infection
and onset of symptoms of AIDS, experts believe that
moist people in their twenties with AIDS actually became
infected as teenagers. Currently AIDS statistics do not
give an accurate picture of the magnitude of the HIV
infection among teens since most teens who have had sex
have never been tested for HIV or other sexually
transmitted diseases. The Montgomery County Health
Department (3060 Mobile Highway/ 293-6418) offers
confidential testing for HIV/AIDS and other sexually
transmitted diseases.
The Bottom Line: Abstinence is the only way to
protect yourself 100% from HIV/AIDS and other sexually
transmitted diseases.
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About the MD: Grace Thomas is a board
certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist. She practiced
previously for more than 10 years in New York. Dr. Thomas now
lives in Montgomery with her husband and two children. |
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Katie, 15:
Sometimes I think a lot about sex. But it can be kinda confusing. I mean,
you hear "have you done it yet?" And then you hear all these
problems - like AIDS and getting pregnant or what it might feel like if
you break up with the person you've had sex with. How do you decide what's
right for you?
Kesha, 15:
Aaron and I decided that having sex right now wasn't for us. The way we
look at it, there are a lot of things we don't have to worry about - like
pregnancy, for one. I sure don't want to have a kid right now, like my
cousin. I see what a hard time she has taking care of the baby. She never
gets out anymore. She even had to quit school for a while.
Ryan, 14:
Having sex? Yeah, I've thought about it but, so far, it just seems like
something I don't really want right now. I guess waiting until I am really
sure - for me that feels right. Sure, some people tease me about it. But
my friends just let me be myself. |
