How does transmission most commonly occur?

• Blood-to-Blood contact, such as sharing HIV contaminated drug injection equipment, razors, or piercing and tattoo equipment; or by "blood brothering" 
• Unprotected sexual contacts such as anal, vaginal or oral intercourse with an infected individual 
• Infected mother to baby, during pregnancy, delivery, or in breastfeeding

Once infected with HIV, the infected person can transmit HIV to others. The time between exposure to HIV and the onset of opportunistic diseases can range from as little as six months to 15 years or more. Without treatment, a high percentage of HIV infected people will go on to develop AIDS. 

Although there is no cure or known effective vaccine for HIV, many new drugs have been developed in recent years that have been shown to be effective in treating and managing the health of those infected with HIV.         

HIV is not transmitted by:

• Sharing eating utensils
• Sharing toilets or bathrooms
• Mosquitoes or other biting insects
• Drinking fountains
• Swimming pools
• Routine activities at work or school
• Donating blood or organs

Blood and organ banks and other human tissue or fluid donation centers use sterile disposable equipment and needles. Since 1985, all blood, plasma and other human tissue or organs have been screened for HIV before they are used. The chance of contracting HIV by receiving human blood products or tissue is very rare. There is no risk of contracting HIV when you donate blood. 

What are the signs and symptoms of HIV Infection?

Most people do not initially experience a set of symptoms immediately after HIV  infection. Some individuals have described a mild flu-like period and body rash. Signs become common at later stages of the viral infection. These may include severe tiredness, fever, loss of appetite and weight, diarrhea, persistent dry cough, repeated drenching night sweats, swollen glands (lymph nodes) and a malaise. Since these may be signs and symptoms of other diseases, consult your health care provider if you are concerned.

Is there a test for HIV and how accurate is the test?

There are reliable tests that tell if an individual is infected with HIV. If you get infected, in most cases your body will react by making special proteins called antibodies to fight HIV. A positive test means that a person has been exposed to HIV and that their body has developed antibodies in the blood to fight the virus. A person who has been infected with  HIV but who does not yet have antibodies to HIV can still infect others. A positive HIV test does not mean that a person has AIDS. AIDS is the late stage  of HIV infection. Current tests for HIV are very accurate. Positive HIV tests are confirmed (double checked) with a second HIV test.

Who should consider testing?

• Injection drug users including injection steroid users, particularly those who have shared injection equipment
• Individuals who have had sexual contact with injection drug users
• Men who have had sex with other men (gay, transgender, or bisexual males)
• Sex and drug using partners of HIV infected persons
• The sex partners of persons at risk for HIV
• Children born to a women with HIV/AIDS
• People seeking diagnosis or treatment for a sexually transmitted disease
• People who have had sex for drugs or money
• People who have patronized prostitutes or sex industry workers after the mid 1970's
• People with hemophilia who received blood products before 1986, and their sexual partners
• Victims of a sexual assault
• People who have had a health care exposure to blood or other body fluids known to be capable of transmitting HIV
• Women who are pregnant. Recent studies indicate that early intervention using Zidovudine (also known as AZT) with pregnant HIV-positive women can lessen the chance of HIV transmission to the child

Can HIV/AIDS be prevented?

You can reduce your risk of becoming HIV infected by following these Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations:

• Do not share needles or syringes with another person
• Obtain clean needles and syringes from a pharmacy or Needle Exchange Program
• Seek treatment for drug addiction
• Do not have unsafe or unprotected sexual intercourse with individuals if you are not certain of their HIV negative status, or abstain from all sexual contact
• Avoid sexual activities or practices that may injure body tissues and result in direct blood contact
• Do not use illegal injection drugs or share injection equipment. Avoid unprotected sexual contact with people who use illegal drugs
• Avoid unprotected or unsafe activities with multiple partners or sex industry workers
• Avoid having sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs that may alter your ability to make safer sexual decisions
• Use a latex condom correctly and consistently every time. When using latex condoms, always use a water soluble personal lubricant like glycerine or lubricating jellies . Never use petroleum based lubricants, hand lotions or organic oils. These products may cause the condom to break or leak
• Do not share acupuncture, piercing or tattoo equipment. If you want to have an acupuncture, piercing or tattoo procedure done seek out a reputable licensed professional who uses proper sterilization techniques and equipment
• Do not participate in rituals or activities that allow the physical mingling of two individuals blood such as "blood brothering"
• Avoid all illicit drugs such as heroin, speed/met-amphetamine, cocaine and steroids. These substances can damage your immune system making you more susceptible to viral infections like HIV
• Please note: the spermicide nonoxynol-9 is not recommended to prevent HIV transmission

If I test HIV positive what should I do?

• Seek regular medical evaluation and follow-up
• Find a counseling/support group to help you with your HIV/AIDS questions;
• Develop an ongoing and open relationship with a health care provider. Do not be afraid to ask questions
• Never share injection equipment or personal hygiene items like razors or toothbrushes that may result in blood to blood contact with another person
• Always practice safe sexual procedures and activities to avoid spreading the virus
• DO NOT DONATE BLOOD, SEMEN (SPERM) or OTHER BODY FLUIDS or ORGANS!