CONCERNS ABOUT AIDS

What We Know Now

We are all concerned about AIDS. Medical information about it is constantly changing as new discoveries are made. For reliable updates on the disease and its treatment call your State Health Department for Disease Control or local Gay Hotline which will give you local sources of information.

Not A Gay Disease

AIDS is not a "gay" disease. Lesbians, for example, are one of the safest groups in our society. It is a sexually transmitted disease which can also be spread by unsterilized needles. In Africa, the disease has attacked heterosexuals predominantly.

In the U.S., for reasons unknown, it spread first among male homosexuals. Recent studies have shown that it is now spreading among the heterosexual community as well. Infection through the use of unsterilized needles affects drug users in the U.S., and happens because of inadequate sterilization during medical care in Third World countries.

Nothing To Be Ashamed Of

AIDS is nothing to be ashamed of. It is not necessarily the result of leading a promiscuous life, and the fact that someone has acquired the disease says nothing about what kind of person he or she is.

The important thing is not how someone gets AIDS, but to deal with the fact that someone is sick and needs help.

AIDS Is Difficult To Get

There is nothing to indicate that AIDS is transmitted by any means other than those indicated above. Therefore there is no medical reason to shun members of your family who have AIDS.

Finally, the way a parent deals with AIDS must depend on the person with AIDS. Some will want to tell others; some will want to keep the information private.

Some will want their parents around; others will not. And some will want to talk to you about it while others will avoid talk. But keep in mind: all people with AIDS need love and care. To show our love and support is more important than ever.