What is HIV?

HIV, human immunodeficiency virus, is the disease that causes AIDS.  AIDS, acquired immune deficiency syndrome, was first reported in the U.S. 1981, and since then, has affected more than 600,000 people here.  The AIDS epidemic is growing most rapidly among minority populations and is the number one killer of African-American males.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the disease affects three times more Hispanics and six times more African-Americans than whites.

HIV destroys the immune system, the part of the body that fights disease.  Without this defense system, the body is unable to fight off these infections and some cancers.  Individuals infected with AIDS, become susceptible to opportunistic infections, life-threatening diseases caused by bacteria that are harmless to healthy people.

What are HIV's Symptoms?

HIV works silently, and those who have the virus don't necessarily look sick.  Many individuals do not show immediate symptoms of HIV, though some experience a brief period of flu-like symptoms about one month after infection.  More severe symptoms appear anywhere from several months to 10 years later.

Who is most likely to be affected by HIV?

Individuals most at risk of contracting HIV are those who share needles or syringes with or who have sex (anal, vaginal or oral), with someone who is infected.  Having another STD such as syphilis, herpes or chlamydia appears to increase an individual's chance of contracting HIV. 

Approximately one fourth to one third of mothers pass the HIV virus to their children.  HIV may be transferred during pregnancy or breastfeeding, but mothers who take AZT treatment and have cesarean section deliveries can reduce the risk of infection to one percent.

HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, such as sharing food utensils, bedding, swimming pools or toilet seats.  Scientists have found no evidence that the virus is spread through sweat, tears, urine or feces.  Researchers have found HIV in the saliva of infected individuals, but they do not believe that the virus can be spread to others by casual kissing.  They do not know, however, the risk of infection from the exchange of large amounts of saliva, or by oral intercourse.

The CDC estimates that more than one million people in the U.S. are now living with HIV, yet one-fourth of them don't know it.  Individuals who think they may have been exposed to HIV should get a blood test as soon as possible to see if they're HIV positive.  HIV cannot be treated, but early detection and treatment can help to delay the onset of AIDs.

How can I protect myself against HIV?

The best way to avoid HIV infection is to avoid risky behavior, including intravenous drug use or having sexual intercourse with individuals who have HIV or whose HIV status is unknown.  Proper use of latex condoms is shown to reduce, though not eliminate, the risk of HIV transmission.

For more information about HIV and AIDS, check out include Web MD's HIV and AIDS page,
www.webmd.com/diseases_and_conditions/hiv_aids.htm,
or the HIV, AIDS & STDs section of the Centers for Disease Control web site,
www.cdc.gov/std/hiv/default.htm

You may also request information from your doctor or local health department.