Editor's Note: This article is about HIV and AIDS. I encourage you to discuss the issue thoroughly with an adult prior to reading this article.

Some of you may know that Friday, December 1st, 2006 was World AIDS Day. But do you know the facts? At this moment, millions of people living in the world that are infected with the HIV virus. Unfortunately, the virus is increasing throughout the world. By now, you may be wondering what its cause is, no? Ignorance.

HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is a virus that attacks your immune system. If it's caught early, it can be treated, although most HIV patients have been known to live normal life spans. Serious health conditions may occur though. Since your body is weakened by the virus you're more likely to get other sicknesses. If HIV is not treated, you may also develop AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. A person is diagnosed with AIDS once their immune system is so weakened that it cannot prevent simple viruses from infecting the body.

Many people know that HIV and AIDS are passed on through bodily fluid, not simple touching or kissing. But how can it be prevented? The easiest way is abstinence. Abstinence is refraining from sexual intercourse until you're married. And if you do choose to have sex before marriage, make sure to use protection. AIDS and HIV can also be passed through someone's blood, so if you ever come across an injured person, make sure to know if they have the virus before helping them. Sharing needles is also a way for the diseases to be passed; many heroin users often contract the disease, as if heroin use isn't bad enough. So make sure that if you do use a needle for something that it is properly cleaned and no one else has used it before you.

Another easy way to prevent against HIV and AIDS is to get tested. The virus can be passed on through birth from mother to child. So knowing that you have the virus, or knowing that someone else has it, is a good way to prevent the spreading of it. Many people are scared to get checked, which makes things worse. There is nothing to be scared of. If you are diagnosed with the virus there are medicines out there that can help you lead a normal life. The fear is not knowing, but in the unknown with HIV and AIDS.

On December 1st, 2006 millions of people voiced their opinion and spoke out for those who are inflicted with the virus. World AIDS Day 2006, focused on the campaign slogan "you, me, us". Together people can stop the spreading of the virus and the prejudice against people already inflicted. There are many ways that you can make yourself known in the fight against AIDS. Red ribbons were handed out across the nation challenging the ignorance and prejudice that some people hold for the inflicted, speak up and educate those around you. You can also campaign with many others in the fight to get life saving medicines to those who need it and may not be able to afford it with their own means.

Thanks for taking time out to change the world,
screamxx