This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences.

• What is HIV?
  
  
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV is a sexually transmitted and blood borne virus, can live in the body for years and can be spread to others, even before any symptoms appear. Over time, the virus breaks down the body's natural immune system, making it very hard to fight off other infections and diseases.




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• What is AIDS?
  
  
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the result of HIV infection. It usually takes many years to develop. By the time someone develops AIDS, HIV has already significantly damaged the immune system. When that happens, a person can get a variety of infections and cancers.




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• Is there a cure for AIDS?
  
  
There is no cure for AIDS presently, however early diagnosis of HIV infection and treatment can delay the progression of AIDS.




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• How is HIV transmitted?
  
  
• Having unprotected vaginal, oral, or anal sex with someone who is infected.
• Sharing unclean needles and syringes with someone who is infected.
• From an infected mother to her infant in the womb, during birth, and/or during breast-feeding.
• Needles sticks/or body fluid splashes from infected persons to healthcare workers.
• Donated blood or body parts from infected persons.




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• Where is HIV found in the body?
  
  
HIV lives only in human body fluids. Listed below from highest concentration to lowest concentration, are the following body fluids:
• Blood
• Semen
• Vaginal secretion
• Breast milk
• Internal body fluids




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• How is HIV not spread?
  
  
The HIV virus is not spread by:
• Saliva
• Tears
• Sweat
• Urine
• Feces




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• How does HIV affect the body?
  
  
HIV affects the body's ability to defend itself against infections and disease. Many people infected with HIV often may show no signs or symptoms. Initial symptoms include fevers, diarrhea, swollen glands, and loss of weight( for no apparent reason). Over time, HIV destroys the body's immune system. In addition to destroying the body's immune system, HIV also enters other cells in the body and affects their ability to function effectively (For example, HIV can enter brain cells and cause loss of functions.) People living with AIDS, often become get very sick from infections and cancers that people with healthy immune systems can usually fight off.




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• What is the length of time for HIV antibodies to develop?
  
  
Antibodies to HIV are usually detectable in the blood a few weeks to a few months after a person is infected. Although infected people can look and feel healthy, they can still spread the virus to others if they share needles and syringes or if they have sex.




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• How accurate is the HIV antibody test?
  
  
The tests currently used to detect HIV antibodies are considered to be more than 99 percent accurate in testing the blood of people who have already developed antibodies to HIV.




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• Are children safe from HIV infection at school?
  
  

Yes, children are safe from HIV infection at school. Since HIV is spread primarily by having sex and by sharing needles with infected partners, children are safe from HIV infection in the course of everyday school activities.





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• How can I help protect myself against becoming infected with HIV?
  
  

You can protect yourself from becoming HIV infected by:

• Not having sex or using injectable drugs.
• Having sex only with a partner who has tested negative, who has sex only with you, and who does not shoot drugs or share needles or syringes.
• Having sex using a latex condom and/or latex barrier (i.e. - dental dam) and a spermicide (nonoxynol-9). While condoms are not 100 percent effective they do significantly decrease risk.




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• Where can I find more updated information about HIV/AIDS?
  
  
For HIV/AIDS resources and links to HIV/AIDS informational websites, see the DCDOH Ryan White Title I Program webpage.  Additional information can be found by visiting the website of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 




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