AIDS is the result of a long process that begins with HIV infection. HIV destroys the body's immune system, allowing cancers, pneumonia and other infections to develop.

How do you get infected with HIV?
HIV is transmitted through blood, semen or vaginal fluid. HIV cannot be transmitted by holding hands, hugging, kissing or sharing food and household items. The virus does not survive outside of the body on surfaces like door knobs, toilet seats, drinking fountains, telephones or in swimming pools. There haven't been any cases of the virus being transmitted by insects or food handlers.

Some people have become infected with HIV after receiving blood transfusions. The nation's blood supply has been screened for HIV since 1985 so today it is extremely rare to get HIV from a blood transfusion.

HIV primarily is spread through bodily fluids via:
- Unprotected sexual intercourse
- Sharing needles and syringes when injecting drugs or steroids
- An infected mother to her child during pregnancy, birth or sometimes breast feeding

Anyone can become infected.  HIV doesn't discriminate.

What are the symptoms of HIV?
Symptoms of HIV may not appear for 10 years or longer. You can be infected with HIV and still look and feel well. Once you are infected, you always carry the virus and you can infect others.

HIV symptoms usually are long-lasting and persistent. They may include:
- Fever, chills or night sweats
- Swollen glands in the neck, armpits or groin area
- Frequent diarrhea
- A thick white coating or spots on the tongue or in the throat
- Mouth sores
- A dry cough, sometimes with shortness of breath
- Unexpected weight loss
- Pink or purple blotches on or under the skin
- Persistent vaginal yeast infections

Is there a test for HIV?
There are tests that detect whether the body's immune system has produced disease-fighting antibodies against the virus. If HIV antibodies are in your body, you will test positive for HIV. A positive test is not a death sentence. It doesn't mean a person has AIDS.

Knowing your HIV antibody status is the key to obtaining proper medical care. Right now there isn't a cure for AIDS, but there are many effective treatments which, when given early, can prolong and improve the quality of life for people with HIV and AIDS.

HIV testing is available through all county health departments.

How can I protect myself from HIV?
The best advice is don't have sexual intercourse and don't shoot drugs, or to have sex with only uninfected partners.

Having sex is a choice you make. But you should know that every time you have sex with a new partner, you may increase your chances of being exposed to HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

You can reduce your risk of infection by:
- Talking to your partner about HIV/AIDS
- Practicing safer sex where there is no exchange of semen, vaginal fluids, or blood
- Correctly using a latex condom every time you have sex
- Not using needles or syringes that another person might have used

What should a person with HIV/AIDS do?
If you are infected with HIV, you should seek medical care.

Treatment is available to slow the progression of HIV in the body and to treat complications related to AIDS. Your doctor, county health department or a local HIV/AIDS service organization can provide additional information about medications and counseling.

The progression of HIV to AIDS may be slowed by living a healthy lifestyle. If you are HIV-positive, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, reduce stress from your life and do not use alcohol or other drugs. 

What can I do for a friend or family member with HIV/AIDS?
People with HIV/AIDS need support and friendship. They may feel alone, frightened and unsure of their relationships and future.

Fortunately, there are organizations which help people with HIV/AIDS and their families deal with the medical, financial and emotional problems associated with the disease.

Information about HIV/AIDS may be obtained from your local health department or see our links page.