(Merge with Caution) Unborn babies are also at risk if their mothers are infected with HIV or AIDS. Also having another STD such as gonorrhea or chlamydia can make someone more susceptible to contracting HIV through sex with an infected partner. (Witmer).

             Although most people don"t have any symptoms when they first acquire HIV, some get a flu-like virus a month or two after contact. (Teens Talk about HIV & AIDS) More noticeable symptoms will sometimes take over 10 years to surface. This is why it is so important to get tested if you are sexually promiscuous or if you think you may be at risk for any reason. One of the more severe and physical symptoms is a painful lesion that erupts into ulcerations in the genital area. (Check, 24).

             Part of the symptoms of AIDS is becoming more susceptible to other diseases and viruses; this is because AIDS breaks down your immune system, hence the name, acquired immune deficiency syndrome. (Witmer).

             Since there is no vaccine for HIV the only way to prevent it is to be careful. Always look out for yourself. You can"t count on anyone to be completely honest. Especially with something like a sexually transmitted disease. Even though they are horrible and very serious, many people are too embarrassed to admit that they have them, and won"t tell their partners that they"re infected. So next time you"re watching a show about people with HIV and AIDS on TV and you start to feel sorry for the person, remind your-self that that could be you. (Witmer).

             This chart illustrates groups of adolescents that are at high risk of contracting HIV. It shows how many males and females already have contracted it and how many have full-blown AIDS now. I got this chart from about.com. A website used to educate teenagers and everyone about sexually transmitted diseases. (Witmer).

             Adolescent exposure category.

             AIDS HIV .

             Male Female Male Female.

             Men who have sex with men 680 0 817 0.