HIV/AIDS DBQ Essay

HIV is the virus that is commonly transmitted sexually and can develop into AIDS. In the U.S. gay and bisexual of all races are the most severely affected by HIV. HIV can also spread through breast milk, blood, and needles either through drug use or the use of an unsterile needles when getting a tattoo. Over 1 million people in the U.S. are currently living with HIV and 1 in 7 don’t know it. In the world, there are estimated 42 million people that are living with HIV/AIDS. The area with the majority of HIV/AIDS is in sub-Saharan Africa. Due to the brutality of the HIV/AIDS epidemic there is a need for a Public Health Plan. One topic to be focused on in relation to making a public health plan to protect and promote health and well-being is the use of condoms. Condoms are used to prevent STD’s and pregnancy. The safest condoms for protection against STD’s is latex condoms (Sexual Health, Birth Control, and Condoms). They are highly effective in prevention when used consistently and correctly. HIV can be obtained through oral, anal, and vaginal sex. HIV can be transmitted through semen, blood, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. There is no cure to AIDS (DBQ A). That is why it is a condom should be used for all types of sex, even oral, though the risk is much lower it is still possible to get HIV through oral sex (aids.gov). Condoms usually cost from about $0.50 to $1 for males. They are inexpensive in my opinion and everyone at risk of receiving or giving HIV or any STD should have and be using them whenever they are having sex. I suggest a good plan for preventing HIV with use of condoms is by making them available at schools for free because about 1 in 4 new HIV infection occurs in teens between the ages of 13 and 24. These teens should be using a condom every time whether they think/know if they or their partner has HIV or not because most are unaware of their infection and can pass it unknowingly. Also they should be highly advertised in areas/regions where