What is HIV?

“HIV” stands for “Human Immunodeficiency Virus.”

It is a virus that weakens the human immune system, making it difficult for a person to fight off infections, and, if left untreated, leads to AIDS.

How is HIV spread?

HIV is transmitted through infected blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk.

Today, in the United States, HIV is primarily transmitted through: unprotected sexual activity (oral, anal, vaginal) and/or the sharing of drug injection equipment (needles, syringes, cookers, cotton, tourniquets).

What are the symptoms of HIV infection?

Most people who are infected with HIV develop flu-like symptoms within the first two weeks of being infected. Most people do not recognize these symptoms as a sign of HIV infection. Instead, they assume they have the flu.

After the initial flu-like symptoms pass, most people remain symptom free for many years. On average people who are infected with HIV, but unaware of their infection, will be symptom free for 10 years.

How can I tell if I am infected with HIV?

The only way to know, for sure, if you are infected with HIV is to be tested.

Who should be tested for HIV?

If you have engaged in a behavior that put you at risk for HIV infection, you should consider being tested. A risk behavior is a behavior that exposes you to any of the four body fluids that can transmit HIV (blood, semen, vaginal secretions, breast milk). Oral sex, anal sex, vaginal sex and the sharing of injection drug equipment are the most common risk behaviors.

Where can I be tested for HIV?

You can come to Co-County Wellness Services (or any state funded site) for free HIV testing. You can also contact your medical provider to request an appointment for HIV testing.

How reliable is the HIV test?

The HIV test is greater than 99% accurate if you are not in the “window period.”

The window period is the three month period of time following a risk behavior. The HIV test is an antibody test. It may take a person as long as three months, after infection, to develop enough antibodies to be detected by the test.

How can I prevent HIV infections?

Abstinence (choosing to not have sex and not to use drugs/alcohol) is the 100% effective method of preventing HIV infection.

Mutual monogamy (having only one sex partner, who is not infected, and who is only having sex with you) is the next best method of preventing sexual transmission of HIV.

Not sharing drug injection equipment is the next best method of preventing transmission of HIV for persons who use injection drugs.

If these choices are not realistic for you, you may want to contact our Prevention Services Department to discuss strategies for reducing your risk of HIV infection.

QUESTIONS?

For further information about our HIV testing services, contact our Deputy Director, Barbara Waller at (610)375-6523, extension 103 or bwaller@cocountywellnessservices.org.

 

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All services are confidential and provided free of charge.