Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that can remain dormant in the body, sometimes for years, before becoming active and weakening the body’s immune system.  This virus has been linked to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and this is the final stage of a progressive disease resulting from the body’s inability to fight infections and other diseases.  Unfortunately, at this time there is no cure for AIDS and it eventually results in death. 

  Often the term AIDS is used inappropriately to describe people with HIV infection.  Not all HIV infected people develop AIDS---the complete breakdown of the immune system.  A person with HIV infection may fall into one of three groups: those who feel completely healthy, those with mild illness and those with life-threatening AIDS.  However, regardless of the degree of illness with HIV infection, anyone who has been infected can infect others.  In people with HIV infection the virus is present in blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk.  The infection is spread to others when one of these fluids comes into contact with an open sore, a cut or the fragile mucus membranes of the mouth, vagina, penis or rectum.  There have been no reported cases of HIV transmission from the following: 

·        saliva

·        tears

·        insect or animal bites

·        eating food handled by someone with the virus

·        sharing toilets, telephones or clothes

·        sharing silverware, plates or drinking classes

·        touching, hugging or kissing someone with the virus

·        playing sports with HIV infected people

·        keeping close company at school, church or work with someone who has the virus.

  One of the most common ways that the virus is transmitted is through unprotected intercourse.  Another common way is through the practice of sharing infected drug needles for illicit drugs.  In some cases mothers who are HIV positive have passed the virus on to their newborns and there is evidence suggesting that HIV can be transmitted through breast milk.  Those who work in healthcare are also at risk for an accidental needle stick or cut with a contaminated needle or instrument.  Ever since the blood screening programs implemented in 1985, the risk of contracting HIV through blood transfusion has nearly been eliminated and there is absolutely no risk of contracting HIV by giving blood since a new sterile needle is used for every blood donation.

  If you have been exposed to HIV your body will usually develop antibodies against the virus within six months of infection and these can be detected in the blood, thereby confirming the presence of infection.  HIV affects each person differently.  If the disease progresses, most pass through some common general stages.  Initially after infection symptoms may include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, malaise, rash, night sweats, weight loss, diarrhea, thrush (white spots in the mouth), persistent vaginal yeast infections and infections caused by herpes viruses.  Not all people develop all of these symptoms and after these initial mild symptoms pass, HIV may lie dormant in the body, even up to ten years, before other symptoms develop. 

  Learning how to protect yourself from exposure to HIV is the best defense against the deadly disease of AIDS.  The best way to avoid exposure to this virus is to avoid unprotected intercourse and intravenous illicit drug use.  If you do choose to inject drugs, never share reused needles or syringes.  Practice safe sex using latex condoms every time you have sex.  Other options include abstinence or a monogamous sexual relationship with another person who follows the same practice and has tested HIV negative.  Healthcare workers should take “universal precautions” by wearing protective eyewear, gloves, masks and gowns when involved in procedures that expose you to body fluids, especially blood, semen or vaginal secretions.

  Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for AIDS but there are new treatments being developed through medical research that can slow the progression of the disease and its symptoms and prolong the life of people with AIDS.  Call your physician, local or state Health Department or local AIDS organization for information about testing.  Some states do offer anonymous testing.  If you have an HIV test and it is positive tell anyone you may have infected and if you are not comfortable doing this, ask a Health Department counselor to help you.