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What
is HIV/AIDS?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that leads to AIDS
(acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). AIDS is a condition
that results from HIV infection. Once infected, the virus
attacks a person's immune system eventually causing the body to
become weak and unable to fight off other infections.
What
are the symptoms?
People with HIV may be free of symptoms; however, they may develop
severe or prolonged fevers, swollen lymph glands, diarrhea, and
other symptoms. After some time, many develop AIDS, making
them susceptible to diseases that most healthy people resist.
How
is HIV/AIDS spread?
Risk of HIV infection depends on whether certain body fluids are
present. HIV can be transmitted from an infected person by
four body fluids: blood, semen (ejaculation or pre-cum), vaginal
secretions, or breast milk. Unprotected sex and sharing syringes
(needles) are two very common ways HIV is spread.
How
can HIV/AIDS be stopped or prevented?
Abstinence is the only 100% guaranteed way of preventing HIV; however,
there are ways to decrease the risk of HIV infection and transmission.
Using a latex barrier (such as a condom) correctly and consistently
will reduce the chances of infection, whether during oral, vaginal
or anal  sex.
To use properly--first, check the expiration date on the condom
packet. Then open the packet by squeezing the condom away
to avoid damaging it with fingernails, teeth, or other sharp objects.
Now cover the erect penis before any genital contact with partner.
Hold the tip of the condom so that air will not be trapped, and
unroll the condom all the way down the erect penis. Use a
water-based lubricant on the outside of the condom so that it will
be less likely to break. Do not use
oil-based lubricants--this can cause a latex barrier
to break.
Sharing syringes
greatly increases the risk of HIV infection, whether for tattoos,
body piercing, or injecting drugs. To reduce risk, clean the
syringe properly before sharing by first washing out needle and
syringe by flushing several times with clean water. Shake
and tap the syringe while it is filled with water. Then completely
fill the needle and syringe several times with bleach. Shake
needle for about 30 seconds and repeat three times. Lastly,
rinse needle and syringe several times by flushing with clean unused
water. Though this process may seem time consuming, it has
proven to be an effective method to reduce HIV transmission.
How
does a person look once they are infected?
Remember, HIV/AIDS does not change the way someone looks.
The only way to know someone's HIV status is by taking an HIV test.
What
is an HIV test?
An HIV test is a laboratory test that searches for HIV antibodies
in a blood sample. There are two types of tests a person can
take: anonymous or confidential. An anonymous test does not
record a person's name or any personal information--maybe only demographic
or geographical information. In order to properly receive
test results, each person is assigned a random number that matches
his or her blood sample. A confidential test records personal
information and is kept confidentially as like any other medical
chart. These tests are not distributed to government, media,
or any other facility or persons.
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