Includes bibliographical references (p. 60-62) and index

"Waiting for a vaccine that will keep people from getting AIDS is not the answer. Health experts have warned that even after a vaccine is available, many more years will pass before the epidemic is under control." "Most people do not fully understand what could be done right now to limit the spread of HIV infection. But, with education, information, and programs that are currently available, Lorraine Jones shows how the spread of HIV infection can be prevented." "This current book defines HIV infection and AIDS: provides accurate up-to-date facts about HIV infection and the AIDS epidemic; presents information on signs, symptoms, and how HIV is and isn't spread; and also discusses testing and protecting oneself against getting the disease; shows how education is key to controlling the epidemic, and gives special attention to national and state perspectives, the schools' role, outreach programs, and HIV on college campuses; includes Messages from Persons Living with HIV that provide a very real, human look at what it's like to have the disease; and offers Steps for Action: A Community HIV Prevention Checklist, concrete things you can do to help prevent the spread of the disease in your own community. In addition, a chapter called "Where to Find Help" gives names and phone numbers of organizations that can provide personal help about the disease, testing, and treatment."--Jacket