Photo by Tom Sperduto

HIV/AIDS facts and Questions

What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is caused by infection of the virus called human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV.

What is HIV?

HIV is a blood-borne virus that is transmitted by sexual contact (intercourse, oral sex, anal sex) and blood-to-blood contact. In addition, infected pregnant women can transmit HIV to their babies during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through breast feeding. The virus destroys an individual’s immune system so that their body is more susceptible to a wide range of infections and cancers.
Individuals with HIV are diagnosed as having an HIV infection. The majority of these persons will develop AIDS as a result of their HIV infection.

What body fluids transmit HIV?

The following body fluids have been proven to spread HIV:

  • blood
  • semen
  • vaginal fluid
  • breast milk
  • other body fluids containing blood

Additional body fluids that may transmit the virus include:

  • fluid surrounding the brain and the spinal cord
  • fluid surrounding bone joints
  • fluid surrounding an unborn baby

What are the symptoms of HIV?

The following may be warning signs of infection with HIV:

  • rapid weight loss
  • dry cough
  • recurring fever or profuse night sweats
  • profound and unexplained fatigue
  • swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
  • diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
  • white spots or unusual blemishes on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat
  • pneumonia
  • red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids

However, each of these symptoms may be related to other illnesses. Therefore, the only way to determine whether you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection.

What does a person with HIV look like?

A person with HIV may or may not look sick. People infected with the virus often look and feel healthy in the early stages of HIV infection. Actually, infected individuals can carry the virus for several years before they become sick. Keep in mind however, an infected person can pass the virus to others whether they look sick or not.

Can you get AIDS from sharing food and drinks?

No. The amount of HIV present in saliva is insufficient to cause infection.

Can you get AIDS from open-mouth kissing?

Open-mouthed kissing is considered to be a very low risk activity for transmission of HIV. However, open sores or cuts within the mouth increase this risk.

Can you get AIDS from casual contact (shaking hands, hugging, etc)?

No. HIV is not transmitted by day-to-day social contact; it is not transmitted by shaking hands, using public toilets, or being around AIDS patients who sneeze or cough. HIV is not airborne, water-borne nor food-borne. In fact, HIV can not survive long outside the body.

How effective are latex condoms in preventing HIV transmission?

Studies have shown that latex condoms are highly effective in preventing the transmission of HIV when used consistently and properly. Latex condoms have been shown to be 99% effective in preventing HIV transmission.

What techniques are used by healthcare personnel to prevent HIV transmission?

  • Routine use of barriers, such as sterile gloves, when in contact with blood or body fluids
  • Thorough washing of hands and other skin surfaces directly following contact with blood or body fluids
  • Careful handling and disposal of sharp instruments, such as needle sticks, during and after use

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