Define HIV & AIDS

It is important to understand the difference between HIV and AIDS. Although they are related illnesses, they are not the same. HIV is not just another term for AIDS. Testing positive for HIV does not mean that you have AIDS.

HIV

• HIV is the short way to say Humanimmunodeficiency virus. It is a virus that attacks the part of our bodies that helps us fight off infections and illness--the immune system. HIV makes minor infections and illness much harder to recover from. HIV is transmitted from person to person.

AIDS

• AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS is the point at which your body can no longer fight off infections and illnesses. AIDS is not transmitted; it is the result of HIV destroying blood cells that fight infections.

Time Frame

• It can take several years to develop symptoms of HIV. It can then take many years for HIV to destroy enough of the immune system that AIDS develops. The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get a blood test.

Transmission

• There are only four body fluids that contain enough of the HIV virus to allow transmission between people-blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. HIV is not transmitted by tears, saliva, sweat, urine or feces.

Prevention

• It is important to use safety precautions when you are likely to come into contact with the body fluids that transmit HIV. Using protective gear when working with blood, using protection such as condoms when engaging in sexual activity, and avoiding street drugs and used needles are ways to minimize your risk of contracting HIV.