Basic Facts - HIV
African Americans and HIV/AIDS
Definitions
- HIV is the virus that causes AIDS
- AIDS is the result of HIV infection
- A person is diagnosed with AIDS by a doctor, based on the following:
- confirmed HIV infection;
- a CD4 count of 200 or less; and/or
- an Opportunistic Infection
Signs and Symptoms
Note: These symptoms are not specific for HIV and may have other
causes. Most persons with HIV have no symptoms at all for several
years.
Early (weeks to months after exposure)
- Flu-like illness
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Late (years after exposure)
- Persistent fevers and Night sweats
- Prolonged diarrhea
- Unexplained weight loss
- Purple bumps on skin or inside mouth and nose
- Chronic fatigue (tiredness)
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Recurrent respiratory infections
Transmission
HIV is Spread by:
- Unprotected anal, vaginal, or oral sex
- Sharing needles to inject drugs or for body piercing or tattooing
- Mother-to-child infection during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding
4 Body Fluids Spread HIV:
- Blood
- Semen
- Vaginal fluids
- Breast Milk
HIV Cannot Be Spread By:
- Shaking hands
- Swimming pools
- A kiss
- Toilet seats
- Cups
- Food
- Insect bites
- Coughing
- Hugging
- Casual Contact
Prevention
- Abstinence (No Sex and No Drugs)
- Don't Share Needles
- Consistent and Correct Latex condom usage during anal, vaginal,
and oral sex
- Limit the number of sex partners
- Limit or avoid use of drugs and alcohol
- Test regularly/Know your HIV status
- Tell sex and needle-sharing partners if HIV infected
- If pregnant request an HIV test as a part of prenatal care
Treatment
- There is NO CURE for HIV/AIDS
- Early diagnosis and treatment can prolong life for years
- Medications work to keep the immune system working and treat
AIDS related illnesses
- Treatment can prevent mother-to-child infection
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