Some Basics...

• HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is the cause of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
• HIV attacks and weakens a person's immune system. It makes a person more likely to get many types of infections.
• HIV can be spread by vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can be spread by sharing needles or syringes.
• There is no cure for HIV. However, there are medications that can slow or prevent the start of AIDS.
• Condoms are the only effective way to prevent STDs during sex. Condoms can also be used during oral sex to prevent STDs.

Risk Factors

Here are some things that increase the chance of getting HIV.

• Sharing needles or syringes.
• Having vaginal, anal, or oral sex and not using a condom.
• Having sex with someone who might have HIV.

Symptoms - Early HIV Infection

When a person first gets HIV there may be no symptoms at all. However, many people get a flu-like illness about 4-6 weeks after being infected with HIV. This early HIV infection is called the acute retroviral syndrome. Symptoms can include:

• Feeling tired (fatigue)
• Fevers
• Headaches
• Swollen lymph node

Symptoms - AIDS

AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. AIDS is the last stage of HIV. People with AIDS have a very weak immune system. They cannot fight off infections as wll as a normal person. Because of this people with AIDS get infections that are rare in normal people. These are called opportunistic infections and they are the reason for most symptoms.

• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Feeling tired (fatigue)
• Fevers
• Headaches
• Night sweats
• Rashes
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Weakness
• Weight loss

1. What You Should Know:
   • HIV is a virus. It is the cause of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
   • There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. There are drugs that can help you to feel healthy for a long time.
   • Here is some care advice that should help.
2. How Is It Spread?
   • HIV is spread through certain body fluids like vaginal fluids, semen, and blood. HIV can enter through the mouth, penis, vagina, and rectum. It can be spread by heterosexuals or homosexuals.
   • Saliva, tears, sweat, and urine do not spread HIV. There is no proof that you can get HIV from kissing.
   • HIV can be spread from a mother to her baby. This can happen during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding.
   • It is also spread by sharing needles.This may happen during injection of street drugs.
   • All donated blood in the United States is screened for HIV. Receiving it is safe. HIV transmission is very rare through donated blood.
   • Latex condoms work well to prevent HIV from spreading during sex.
3. Symptoms:
   • Acute Retroviral Syndrome (early HIV infection: feeling tired (fatigue), fevers, headaches, swollen lymph nodes.
   • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS): cough, diarrhea, feeling tired (fatigue), fevers, headaches, night sweats, rashes, swollen lymph nodes, weakness, weight loss.
     
4. How Long Does It Take for Symptoms to Appear after Exposure?
   • When a person first gets HIV there may be no symptoms at all.
   • However, many people get a flu-like illness about 4-6 weeks after being infected with HIV. This early HIV infection is called the acute retroviral syndrome.
     
5. Testing:
   • HIV is tested with a blood sample. This test may be done without your name ever being known. It can also be done privately through your own doctor.
   • You can find testing sites by calling 1-800-342-AIDS. You should always share the test results with your doctor.
6. Treatment:
   • There is no known cure for HIV.
   • There are medications that can slow the start of AIDS. They will keep you feeling healthy for a long time.
7. Pregnancy Test, When in Doubt:
   • If there is a chance that you might be pregnant, use a urine pregnancy test.
   • You can buy a pregnancy test at the drugstore.
   • It works best first thing in the morning.
   • Follow all package instructions.
8. Call Your Doctor If:
   • Pregnancy test is positive or you have trouble with the at-home test
   • You want to get an HIV test
   • You get worse

1. United States - STD Hotline:
   • American Social Health Association STD Hotline provides information on STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV/genital warts, herpes, and HIV/AIDS. It can provide referrals to local clinics.
   • Toll-free number (English): (800) 227-8922
   • Toll-free number (Spanish): (800) 344-7432
   • Their website is at: http://www.ashastd.org
2. Internet Resources:
   • American Social Health Association: This website has answers to your questions about sexual health and STDs. It can be found at http://www.iwannaknow.org
   • STD Treatment Guidelines 2010, Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC): This can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/2010/default.htm
   • Public Health Agency of Canada: Sexual health facts and information can be found at http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/std-mts/faq_e.html