Policies & Regulations
known as Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
Infections which characterize AIDS are usually caused by
relatively common infectious agents, including bacteria,
fungi, and other viruses. These agents take advantage
of the weakened immune system of someone living with
AIDS to cause potentially life-threatening infections and
certain types of cancer.
HIV cannot be contracted through casual contact, like
touching, hugging, kissing, or sharing eating utensils,
telephones, or restroom facilities. There is no scientific
evidence for transmission by mosquitoes. Transmission
of the virus can only occur via unprotected sexual contact
(oral, vaginal, or anal), sharing contaminated needles,
direct contact with infected blood, breast milk, or from a
pregnant mother to her fetus. The risk of acquiring HIV
from tainted blood during a transfusion is very low since
all donated blood is tested for the presence of HIV. There
is absolutely no risk of getting infected by donating blood.
Certain types of behaviors increase the chances of
acquiring HIV infection and include:
• Injecting drugs, using contaminated needles body
piercing, tattoos;
• Being the sex partner of someone who injects drugs or
shares needles
• Being a sex partner of someone with HIV infection
• Having multiple sex partners
Persons who know or suspect that they are HIV
seropositive are encouraged to seek expert medical
care, and are ethically and legally responsible to protect
others from acquiring HIV. In South Florida, there is a
higher incidence of HIV than in almost anywhere in the
United States; approximately one in forty people living in
Miami-Dade County is infected with HIV, with the greatest
majority being asymptomatic.
To reduce your risk of exposure to the virus:
• Do not share needles;
• If you are sexually active, always use a latex condom.
Only use water-based lubricants, never petroleum-
based lubricants. The virus may be transmitted via the
exchange of blood, vaginal fluid, and semen, and can
readily occur during unprotected vaginal, anal, and oral
sex. Abstinence from sexual intercourse and alcohol/
drug use is the only way to remain absolutely protected.
Remember, condoms need to be always used properly
and they may break.
• Ask about the health of your partner and his/her past
sexual activity. This is hard to do, but is very important
if you want to better ensure safer sex;
• Maintain mutually monogamous relationships;
• Do not use drugs or alcohol before sex, as they impair
your judgment and can depress your immune system;
and
• Be certain proper sterilization procedures are followed
before receiving acupuncture, tattoos and body
piercing.
For more information concerning HIV/AIDS visit the FIU
Health website at
studenthealth.fiu.edu
To minimize your chances of acquiring any viral illness,
it is always prudent to follow a healthy lifestyle, which
includes eating a diet high in complex carbohydrates and
low in fats, getting adequate rest, exercising regularly, not
smoking, and effectively managing stress.
HIV Counseling and Testing
Free HIV Counseling and Testing are available at the
Healthy Living Program on both campuses. In addition,
the Healthy Living Program also provides students with
free safer sex products, such as condoms and dental
dams, to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted
infections such as HIV.
Florida International University
HIV/AIDS Policy
Students and employees of Florida International University
who may become infected with the HIV virus will not be
excluded from enrollment or employment, or restricted
in their access to University services or facilities, unless
individual medical evaluation establishes that such
exclusion or restrictions are necessary for the welfare
of the individual and/or other members of the University
community. FIU has established an HIV/AIDS Committee
with membership including FIU students, faculty,
administrators, and staff, as well as representatives
from several community organizations committed to HIV/
AIDS education and treatment. The Committee meets as
needed and is responsible for monitoring the medical,
psychosocial, and administrative developments regarding
HIV/AIDS for the FIU community. Additional responsibilities
include administration and implementation of the FIU
policy in specific cases and coordination of all University
educational activities emphasizing proactive prevention. In
addition, the Committee will meet as needed to consider
individual cases which may require University action.
FIU Health Website:
studenthealth.fiu.edu
Florida International University • campuslife.fiu.edu
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