WHAT IS HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that scientist identified as causing AIDS (Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome). HIV disease is known to attack the immune system of the person who becomes infected by the virus.
IS THERE A CURE FOR HIV/AIDS?
To date, there is still NO CURE for HIV or AIDS.
HOW IS HIV TRANSMITTED?
HIV is found in:
- pre-ejaculate fluid
- semen
- blood
- vaginal fluid
- breast milk
HIV is transmitted ONLY when these fluids pass from an infected person directly into the bloodstream of another person.
The most common ways to get HIV are:
- Having unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, or oral)
- Sharing needles or other sharps (drug use, tattooing and ear piercing equipment, etc.)
- Mother to baby transmission (during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding)
CAN YOU GET HIV FROM SHAKING HANDS OR HUGGING?
NO! You cannot get HIV from casual contact such as:
- Shaking hands, hugging or casual kissing
- Sharing dishes or eating utensils
- Using the same restroom, water fountains or telephones
- Donating blood
- Swimming in the same pool
- Mosquito bites
- Contact with a pet
- Sharing a household with an infected person
HOW CAN YOU PREVENT HIV?
Some ways to prevent exposure to HIV include:
- Abstaining from sex
- Not sharing needles and other sharp instruments
Some ways to reduce chances of HIV exposure include:
- Practicing safer sex by using male/female condoms and dental dams
- Not engaging in high risk behaviors
- Know your partners sero-status. Get tested together!
WHAT IS SAFER SEX?
- Sex that does not involve penetration of any kind is safer.
- Using a condom or dental dam during sex is safer when it is used consistently and correctly each and every time.
HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOU ARE INFECTED BY HIV?
The ONLY way to determine whether you are infected is by getting tested for HIV.
NCAP offers free, confidential HIV testing.
WHY GET TESTED?
- Its quick, you can get your results in less than thirty minutes
- HIV t reatment is most effective when started earlier
- Knowing your status will help prevent the unintentional spread of HIV to other people
- Testing can be confidential and/or anonymous
Contact NCAP for answers to any other questions you have about HIV/AIDS.
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