HIV Testing

What is HIV/AIDS?

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. In most cases, people infected with HIV will develop AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV destroys “helper cells” that are critical in the normal functioning of the human immune system. With the destruction of “helper cells”, there is an increase for opportunistic infections. There are two types of HIV, HIV-1 and HIV-2. While HIV-1 is commonly tested for in the United States, HIV-2 is predominantly found in Africa and is still not recommended as a routine test.

What are some symptoms of HIV?

A person infected with HIV may not even know they have it for many years. Symptoms may be very mild or not present at all. When a person contracts HIV, acute symptoms may develop within 2 to 6 weeks. Acute symptoms occur in 50-70% of newly infected individuals and can last from 2 to 10 weeks. When HIV manifests itself with symptoms, they may include:

• fever or night sweats
• weight loss
• dry cough
• extreme fatigue
• swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
• diarrhea that lasts longer than a week
• unusual spots on the tongue, mouth, or throat
• pneumonia
• patches of red, brown, pink or purple on or under the skin, inside the mouth, nose or eyelids
• depression
• memory loss
• signs of neurological disorders

Note: No one should ever assume that they have a particular STD based on symptoms alone. Many of these symptoms can be related to other illnesses. The only way to determine whether or not you are infected with HIV is to get tested and/or seek medical attention.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV transmission most commonly occurs either through sexual contact, intravenous drug use (e.g. sharing needles, blood transfusions) or perinatal (mother to child). Oral sex has a lower risk of transmission when compared to anal or vaginal sex. Having multiple sex partners or having a history of sexually transmitted diseases increases the likelihood of contracting HIV. A baby may contract HIV from its infected mother during pregnancy, the birth process or breast-feeding. Also, in the health care worker environment, HIV may be spread through other bodily fluids. There is still no evidence that HIV can be transmitted through casual contacts such as toilet seats, mosquitoes, or sharing utensils.

Note: Through the consistent and correct use of latex or polyurethane condoms, a person may greatly reduce their risk of acquiring or transmitting STDs.

Is HIV curable and what are some common treatments?

HIV is NOT curable but is a manageable condition. Currently, effective antiretroviral therapies are used to improve the length and quality of life for HIV infected persons.

Facts and Figures:

• It is estimated that 40 million people world-wide have HIV/AIDS.
• It is estimated that over 1 million of those infected live in North America.
• The leading cause of death world-wide within the age group of 15-59 is HIV/AIDS.
• 24-27% of those with HIV in United States don’t even know they have it.
• It is estimated that approximately 10% of all diagnosed HIV cases are in the age group of 50 years and older.