Young Adults

Know the stats

There are over 1,330 people living with HIV and AIDS in Delaware
32% of people living with HIV in Delaware were diagnosed as HIV positive between ages 13 and 29
70% of all people living with HIV in DE live in New Castle County
65% of people living with HIV in DE are male

Know the risks

How can I get HIV?

• Unprotected sexual contact: vaginal, anal or oral intercourse
• Blood to blood contact
• Sharing needles or syringes
• Transfusion of infected blood
• Mother to child transmission (MTCT)

Know the facts

• After contracting HIV you might not have symptoms for up to 15 years. 
• You cannot tell someone is HIV positive by looking at them.
• HIV is found in blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, saliva and tears
• HIV is not transmitted via biting or bloodsucking insects
• HIV is not transmitted through air or water
• Contact with saliva, tears, or sweat has never been shown to result in transmission of HIV 

Know your status

• Get tested for HIV.
• If you are negative, learn how to stay negative:
  • Abstain from sexual intercourse or contact
  • If you do not choose abstinence, practice consistent and correct use of latex or polyurethane condoms
  • Abstain from intravenous drug use
• If you are positive, get treatment and learn how to avoid transmitting HIV to others.
• Visit the Delaware HIV Consortium Testing Services page for a free location near you.

Sources: CDC, HIV and Its Transmission, DE HIV Consortium Surveillance Reports