What is HIV?
HIV- Human Im-mu-no-de-fi-cien-cy Virus - is the virus that causes
AIDS. HIV infects human cells and uses their energy and nutrients
to grow and reproduce.
What is AIDS?
AIDS is caused by HIV. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is
a disease that causes the body’s immune system to break down. When
this happens, the body is unable to fight off many infections.
If I get HIV/AIDS, can someone cure it?
No. There are new drugs that help people who have HIV/AIDS live longer
lives, but they have really harsh side-effects and are by no means
a cure. How can I get HIV?
HIV is transmitted by infected bodily fluids – i.e. blood, semen (cum),
vaginal secretions, and breast milk – entering your bloodstream.
This can occur when:
You have unprotected sex (vaginal, anal or oral)
You have unprotected ORAL sex: oral-genital
contact can be risky, especially when ejaculation occurs in the mouth.
HIV may enter your bloodstream through cuts or sores in your mouth. These cuts or sores may be caused by a herpes
sore, a recent tooth brushing or a canker sore. You may have a cut
so slight that you may not even notice it. So use protection every
time you have oral sex!
You share needles or syringes: HIV can live in used syringes
for a month or more - NEVER reuse or share syringes!
As well, infection can be transmitted during pregnancy, childbirth,
or breast feeding (mother-to-infant transmission): HIV is found
in breast milk as well as in blood, so transmission from an infected
mother to her infant - before or after birth - is possible. Am I at risk for HIV?
Anytime you have UNPROTECTED vaginal, anal, or oral sex YOU
ARE AT RISK for HIV.
Anytime you share needles or have unprotected sex with someone
who is/was an IV drug user - YOU ARE AT RISK for HIV.
What’s safer sex?
Safer sex means preventing your partner’s blood, semen or vaginal
secretions from entering your mouth, vagina, or anus. The best way
to do this (besides abstinence) is by properly using latex condoms
or other barrier protection (such as dental
dams) every time you engage in sex. Use protection. Using lubricants like petroleum jelly,
Vaseline, and baby oil, can damage latex condoms, and place you and
your partner at risk for HIV infection.
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How do I know if I have HIV?
Get tested! There is no test for AIDS, only a test for HIV, the virus
that causes AIDS. Immediately after infection, some people
may develop mild, flu-like symptoms (fever, headache, to name
a few). However, even if you look and feel healthy, you should still
get tested. Frequent testing is the only definitive way of knowing
your HIV status!
I feel fine. Why should I get tested?
Just because you feel fine does not mean that you should not get tested.
It isn’t unusual for someone to be infected by HIV and not exhibit
any of the symptoms of an HIV infection. Here are some other reasons
why you should get tested:
• If you’re in the early stages of infection, you
can take steps to protect your long-term health;
• If you test positive, you can start to take measures
to protect others from being infected;
• If you are pregnant and test HIV positive, medication
and other precautions may reduce the risk of infecting your child. How can I get tested?
There are many places for you to get tested. Most people get tested by their private doctors; at local health department
facilities; or in hospitals. Some states offer anonymous HIV testing.
Also, it’s important for you to know that there are laws designed
to protect your rights when it comes to HIV testing. Know
your testing rights. Do I need to get tested more than once?
Yes. If you are sexually active you should be tested for HIV regularly.
It is recommended that you be tested every 6 months after your last
possible exposure. Most blood tests are able to detect HIV within
four weeks of initial exposure, but it can take as long as three to
six months for HIV to be found. During the 6 months between exposure
and the test, it is important to protect yourself and others from
further possible exposures to HIV. Testing should never take the place
of prevention.
What happens if I test positive?
If you test positive for HIV, follow these important steps immediately
to protect your health:
• See a doctor, even if you do not feel sick - preferably
a doctor who has experience treating individuals with HIV. There
are many drugs that treat HIV infection and help you to maintain
your health, thus delaying the onset of AIDS, the disease caused
by HIV.
• Get tested for tuberculosis
(TB). Undetected TB can cause serious illness, but it can be successfully
treated if caught early.
• Don't smoke cigarettes, drink too much alcohol,
or use drugs. These can weaken your immune system and allow the
virus to duplicate itself more rapidly. If necessary, find programs
to help you reduce or stop using these substances.
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