HIV/AIDS

HIV, or the human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that causes AIDS.

How do you get it?

This virus may be passed from one person to another through sexual and blood-to-blood contact. This happens when a person's infected semen, vaginal fluids, or blood come in contact with an uninfected person's broken skin or mucous membranes. Mucous membranes are found in the mouth, eyes, nose, vagina, rectum, and opening of the penis.

The most common way it is transmitted is through sex and sharing needles or injection equipment.

Blood transfusions have been regulated since 1985 and all blood is now tested for the virus.

A risk of transmission does exist during body piercing and tattooing if instruments are contaminated.

HIV is not spread through day-to-day contact, shaking hands, hugging, toilet seats, drinking fountains, dishes, food, pets, or a casual kiss.

Symptoms

The only way to know if you are infected is to be tested because symptoms are similar to those of many other diseases. Some may include rapid weight loss, dry cough, recurring fever, profuse night sweats, fatigue, swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin or neck, diarrhea, white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth or in the throat, pneumonia, red, brown, pink or purple blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose or eyelids, memory loss, depression, and other neurological disorders.

Complications

HIV destroys a certain kind of blood cell which is crucial to the normal function of the human immune system. Eventually, enough damage is done for AIDS to develop. AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. Development of AIDS can lead to certain infections or cancers and a decrease in the number of cells in the immune system.

Testing/Diagnosis

A standard blood test is used to detect the presence of antibodies to HIV. There are also tests that use oral fluids or urine to detect HIV. All positive test results are followed by a second test to confirm the presence of the virus. A diagnosis of AIDS is made by a physician using specific clinical or lab standards.

Treatment

Prompt medical care may delay the onset of AIDS and prevent some life-threatening conditions. There are now medications to treat the HIV infection.

Resources: Heritage House '76, Inc.