HiTOPS.org ~ HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS

What is it?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system, leaving the body unable to fight infections. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the diagnosis given when a person's immune system is so damaged by HIV that the number of infection fighting cells (T-Cells) is very low, or when a person with HIV has certain diseases that occur when the immune system is severely damaged.

How do people become infected with HIV?

HIV can be transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and/or breast milk. When one of these fluids from an HIV-infected person finds its way into the blood supply of another person, HIV infection may occur.

HIV can be transmitted through the following activities:

Anal, vaginal, or oral intercourse with an HIV-infected person without a condom.
Sharing needles with an HIV-infected person to inject drugs, steroids, or other fluids.
Sharing needles with an HIV-infected person during tattooing or body piercing.
Pregnancy, childbirth, and breast feeding, from mother to child.

Incubation period

There really is no incubation period with HIV infection. The immune system of people with HIV, for the most part, is under attack from the point of infection. Symptoms of serious illness may not show up for many years.

Symptoms

Some people who are infected with HIV develop symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen glands or rash soon after they get the virus. However, these symptoms may be easily mistaken for a common cold or flu. Symptoms of serious illness, such as swollen glands, skin and mouth infections, vaginal infections and pneumonia may develop after many years, especially if the infected person has not received medical treatment. New medical treatments can delay and possibly even prevent these serious symptoms and illnesses from developing.

HIV Testing and Diagnosis

There are two kinds of HIV antibody tests for diagnosing HIV infection: one is a blood test; the second, Orasure®, involves the collection of HIV antibodies from the lining of the cheek between the gums and the mouth. Since it takes three to six months for an HIV-infected person to develop antibodies, people who have HIV may not test positive for HIV for three to six months after they become infected. Because this "window period" exists, some people need to be tested for the HIV virus more than once. Free HIV testing and counseling is available at HiTOPS.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for HIV infection. However, new medications can significantly reduce the amount of HIV virus in the bloodstream. The result is that many HIV-infected people can remain healthy and without symptoms for many years. To get the most advantage out of HIV medical treatment, it is important for someone with HIV to start medical treatment as soon as possible after they become infected. HIV testing can identify infection in very early stages.