Yes. HIV infection is an important concern for people of all ages, and young adults are no different. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that at least half of all new HIV infections in the United States occur among
people under the age of 25.
The same behaviors that put adults at risk for HIV also put adolescents at risk. These activities include:
• having vaginal, anal, or oral sex without using a condom; or
• sharing drug injection equipment.
Adolescents should also be aware of these high-risk situations:
• Drinking or using drugs. Drugs and alcohol can affect your judgment and lead to unplanned and unprotected sex.
• Injection drug use, including sharing needles, syringes, cotton, spoons, bottle caps, or any other equipment (“works”).
• Experiencing “blackouts” – not being able to remember what happened while using alcohol or drugs.
• Not understanding your own risk of being infected with HIV or your partner’s risk of being infected.
• Having many sex partners, which increases the chances of having sex with someone who has HIV.
• Exchanging sex for money, drugs, food, housing, or other things of value.
• Having sex with older partners, especially partners who use drugs.
• Having sex with partners you do not know well.
• Having a history of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or having a partner who has a history of STDs.
• Rape or incest – anyone who has been a victim of rape or incest should seek counseling, including advice about HIV testing.
