Facts About HIV/AIDS


WHAT IS HIV?

HIV is the "Human Immunodeficiency Virus." This virus causes a weakening of the immune system and eventually leads to AIDS ( Aquired Immunodefficiency Deficiency Syndrome). Many people with HIV may not know he or she is infected. You cannot tell by looking at a person whether someone has HIV. Many HIV positive individuals look and feel well for many years.

HOW DO YOU GET HIV?

HIV is transmitted by direct contact with bodily fluids.  These are defined as an infected person's blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and\or the breast milk of a nursing mother.

WHAT IS AIDS?

Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome is the result of damages to the immune system caused by the HIV virus. The immune system can no longer protect the body from getting sick.

AIDS is defined by the CDC as a drop in CD4 cells to a count of 200 (normal is between 1100-1500) or the development of an opportunistic infection such as:

  • PCP (Pneumocystis Carinii Pneumonia)
  • KS (Karposi's Sarcoma-cancer)
  • CMV (Cytomegalovirus and eye disease causing blindness)
  • CANDIDA is a fungal infection causing thrush (a white film) in your mouth, throat and/or vagina.

AIDS also includes serious weight loss, brain tumors and other health problems. AIDS acts differently in every infected person. Some people die soon after becoming infected, while others live fairly normal lives for many years following an HIV or AIDS diagnosis. This is primarily due to the success of the medications and physicians who have become highly knowledgeable in the treatment of this disease. Some long-term survivors of 15-16 years are continuing to live productive lives.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THE TEST?

Anyone who has had unprotected sex even one time, whether it was vaginal, anal, or oral sex and applies to male/female, woman/woman, and/or male/male sex.

Anyone who has shared needles/works in the use of drugs, steroids, tatoos, and/or body piercing.

HIV TESTING

Testing is the only to know for certain if you have been infected with HIV. Testing procedures may be one done by one of the following techniques:

  • Blood draw from your arm
  • Cells taken from the inside of your cheek with a cotton swab
  • Urine sample
  • New OraQuick finger stick with test results within 20 minutes.

The first three testing methods require two weeks for test results.

Should you test negative, it can indicate one of two things. You are in fact negative or you may have tested to soon following exposure. The body usually takes up to 3 months after infection to make HIV antibodies. In rare cases, it can take up to 6 months.

You can get tested at most clinics and doctor's offices. Public health some AIDS agencies will provide testing at no charge.

There are two ways to be tested. You can have an anonymous test or a confidential test.

Anonymous means you are tested without ever giving your name. You are known by a code
only. With anonymous testing, the only person who knows your results is you. You decide whom to ell and when. Home testing kits are anonymous.

Confidential means that the HIV test result is part of your medical record. Your name is used and your test result goes into your medical file. In general, your test result cannot be shared without your OK.

There is often a 2-week waiting time for test results. It's common to feel nervous while waiting. Tell a friend you trust. Support may help you handle the stress of waiting.

Testing sites have trained professionals to answer your questions and provide guidance to HIV/AIDS service agencies should test results determine this necessary.

REMEMBER, if in doubt, BE TESTED!