Learn It Live It :: Home Learning To Live Healthy

HIV / AIDS Information

  1. What is HIV?
  2. What is AIDS?
  3. Statistics About HIV / AIDS
  4. Facts & Myths
  5. Other Links

What is HIV?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus infects those who participate in risk behaviors that allow the virus to be transmitted.

What does HIV do to my body?

The HIV virus attacks the immune system so that you cannot fight off sickness or infections. Your body tries to fight back by creating antibodies which protect against viruses such as colds, flu, measles and HIV. Finally, the virus does enough damage that it is very easy to get sick with infections that you normally wouldn't get; those diseases are called opportunistic infections (more).

Stages of HIV Infection

Diagram: Stages of HIV infection

How is HIV transmitted?

Taking part in activities where there is exchange (sharing) of body fluids with someone infected with HIV.

Body fluids that transmit HIV are:

Note that HIV is not transmitted through saliva or urine (pee)

Having unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone infected with HIV.

Every time you have unprotected sex the exchange of body fluids takes place. Also, both the penis and the vagina get very small cuts, not visible to the eye, making it easier to transmit the virus.

Sharing a needle already used by someone infected with HIV.

By sharing a needle, you exchange blood with the person that used it before you did. It doesn't matter what the needle was used for (drugs, tattoos, body piercing, etc.).

From a woman infected with HIV to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breast-feeding.

The baby is first born with the HIV antibodies of his/her mother. If infected, the baby will develop his/her antibodies within the first 9-18 months of life. The more advanced the mother's infection is, the higher the risk of the baby being infected.

Through blood transfusions (giving blood).

The risk of being infected with HIV because of a blood transfusion is very low. All blood donations are tested and new needles are always used. However, since HIV can take up to 6 months (from the time of infection) to show up in a test, it is possible that someone who just got infected with HIV could give blood and the HIV virus would not show up. For this reason, it is extremely important for people who give blood to not put themselves at risk for getting HIV.

How is HIV NOT transmitted?

HIV is not transmitted through coughing, sneezing, touching, kissing on lips or cheeks, toilet seats, saliva, or mosquito bites.

How can you avoid infection?

  • The only 100% safe way to avoid HIV infection are through abstinence and never sharing needles.
  • If you decide to be sexually active, you should use a latex condom whenever having vaginal, anal, or oral sex. When receiving oral sex, a guy can use flavored condoms or a girl can use dental dams.
  • If you shoot up drugs you should never share a needle with anyone or you should bleach the needle with a bleach kit if you are going to share needles.
  • Don't use alcohol or other drugs. People tend to make bad decisions when they are drunk or high. Being under the influence of drugs leads people to do risky things that they would not normally do.
 
English :: Español