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AIDS: Questions and Answers
1. What are AIDS and HIV? HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Over time, most people infected with HIV become less able to fight off life-threatening infections and cancers. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the last stage of HIV disease. Doctors make AIDS diganoses based on a set of symptoms and conditions identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
2. Who is at risk for getting infected with HIV? A person of any age, sex, race, ethnic group, religion, economic background, or sexual orientation can become infected with HIV if he / she participates in unprotected sex or needle-sharing activities with someone who is infected with HIV. Women with HIV can also pass the virus to their babies during pregnancy. Some health care workers have been infected through occupational exposure, such as needlesticks. Some people were infected before 1985, through blood transfusions or use of blood products. Since 1985, blood products are screened for HIV so that the risk of acquiring HIV through a blood transfusion is extremely low. Anyone who has had unprotected sex (sex without a latex condom) since the mid 1970s and / or shared needles or works may have been exposed to HIV.
3. Do all people with HIV have AIDS? No. HIV infection is a disease that can slowly damage the body's immune system. Many people have flu-like symptoms for a few day's after they are infected and then may go 10 or more years without symptoms. During this time, people may not know they are infected. However, an HIV antibody test can determine if someone is infected within three months of exposure to HIV, usually within one month. People with HIV are only diagnosed with AIDS when they have symptoms or conditions that match those defined by the CDC.
4. How long can people live with HIV or AIDS? HIV disease progresses differently in different people. Some people may develop AIDS in just a few years after infection, while others may take much longer. A small number of poeple with HIV have not had symptoms even afte 10 or more years and have not progressed to an AIDS diagnosis. Researchers are studying these people to determine why they remain healthy.
5. Is there a vaccine to prevent HIV infection or AIDS? No. There is no cure or vaccine for HIV infection or AIDS. Research scientists in the U.S. and other countries are actively working toward the development of a vaccine.
6. How is HIV transmitted? HIV is spread by direct contact with infected body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. This means that HIV contained in one of these fluids must get into the bloodstream by directy entry into a vein, a break in the skin or through mucous linings, such as the eyes, mouth, nose, vagina, rectum, or penis. Other body fluids such as urine, saliva, vomit, etc., do not pose a risk unless visible blood is present. HIV is not easily transmissible. Unlike most viral infections - colds, flu, measles, etc., HIV is not transmitted through sneezing, coughing, eating, or drinking from common utensils or merely being around a person with HIV infection. HIV is not transmitted through air, water, food, or casual contact such as handshaking, hugging, or use of restrooms and drinking fountains, etc. Casual contact with people who have HIV infection does not place others at risk. No cases have ever been found where HIV has been transmitted through casual contact with a household member, relative, co-worker, or friend.
7. Does everyone who is exposed to HIV get infected? No. Infection with HIV may depend on how the virus enters the body and the amount of virus that enters the body. But it is important to know that infection may occur after one exposure to HIV infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions. Exposure can occur during unprotected sex or sharing injection drug needles or "works."
8. Why is anal sex a high risk activity for HIV infection? The walls of the anus and rectum are thin and richly supplied with blood vessels which can be injured during anal sex. HIV-infected semen can be easily absorbed through these thin walls and into the bloodstream. Injured tissue in the anus and rectum can expose the penis to blood containing HIV, as well. Unprotected anal sex with a partner who is infected or whose HIV status is unknown is the most risky sexual activity for both men and women. While latex condoms provide protection, their failure rate during anal sex is greater than that for vaginal or oral sex.
9. Are men and women both at risk for HIV infection during vaginal sex? Yes. A growing number of women have become infected through vaginal sex with men who are HIV infected. Though women are at greater risk for HIV infection through vaginal sex than men. HIV is found in vaginal fluids and menstrual blood and can be transmitted to male partners, particularly if there is a cut or sore on the penis.
10. Why should a person be tested? Now more than ever people need to know if they have HIV. There are more effective medications to treat HIV infection, and more medications to help prevent some common infections that occur as a result of having HIV. Ongoing medical check-ups and taking medications before getting sick will help people stay healthier longer. In addition, people with HIV will want to take precautions to eliminate or reduce the risk of infecting others, including unborn children, who can be infected during pregnancy and birth. |
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