HIV / AIDS

In 1980, no one knew about Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Now almost everyone is aware. Still, many people do not know how HIV is transmitted and who is at risk for infection.

It can take as little as one year or as long as 20 years before someone infected with the HIV virus actually develops AIDS. The average length of time is 8 to 10 years. During this time, many people who are infected feel fine, look well, and may not know they have the virus. Unfortunately they can pass the virus on to others during these years.

HIV is passed to others by:

direct intimate contact with HIV-infected body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen
having oral sex with an HIV-positive partner
an HIV-infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding
having sexual intercourse without a latex or plastic condom with an HIV-positive partner and
HIV-contaminated needles from drug use, tattoos, or body piercing

Casual contact does not transmit HIV. People of any age, race, or sex can become infected if exposed. The fastest growing groups include black men, heterosexuals, women, and teens. HIV is an "equal opportunity virus."

Three to 6 weeks after people are exposed and infected with HIV, most will get the "HIV flu." Symptoms of this include a sore throat, rash, fatigue, and swollen lymph glands. This "flu" resolves in 1 to 2 weeks. After this, there is usually a long period during which the virus is growing inside the body.

The person who is infected may have swollen glands and fatigue, but otherwise feels OK. HIV infects special immune system cells called T-helpers or CD4 cells. These cells help fight off infections. As HIV disease progresses, the number of these T-helper cells are diminished, resulting in a loss of ability to fight off opportunistic infections.

Symptoms of AIDS eventually start to occur. These may be non-specific, such as loss of appetite, fatigue, and night sweats. More specific symptoms include thrush, vaginal yeast infections, skin conditions, and dental problems. Serious infections may begin to occur when the T-helper cell count falls to less than 25 percent of normal. It is at this time that a person is said to have AIDS.

HIV can now be treated, though not cured. HIV is, however, completely preventable. Talk to your partner, and talk to your kids. Take responsibility for the steps required to stay free of HIV. You are worth it.

For more information on HIV and AIDS, call the 24-hour National STD and AIDS Hotline at (800) 227-8922 or (800) 342-2437. The Spanish speaking Hotline at (800) 344-7432 is available between the hours of 8:00 AM and 2:00 AM eastern standard time 7 days a week. The TTY line for the hearing impaired is (800) 243-7889 between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm Monday through Friday eastern standard time. These hotlines are provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Information can also be obtained from their website at www.cdc.gov.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File INFE4612.RF2 VRS# 4612 Data Version 7.0