HIV/AIDS FACTS

HIV/AIDS:
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight infection and disease. HIV is the same virus that also causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, having HIV does not mean a person has AIDS. AIDS is the last and most severe stage of the HIV infection. Some people live with HIV for years or even decades before the condition progresses to AIDS.

Once HIV enters the body, it infects a type of white blood cell called CD4+ cells. These white blood cells are an important part of the immune system that helps fight infections. As CD4+ white blood cells are attacked and destroyed by HIV, the immune system becomes less able to fight infection and disease.

HIV Transmission:
There are three ways in which HIV is spread from one person to another through the infected fluids (blood. semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk):

1. unprotected oral, anal or vaginal sex with an infected partner
2. sharing needles or other contaminated injection, tatooing or skin-piercing equipment
3. transmission from infected mother to child in the womb, during birth or breastfeeding.

HIV is NOT transmitted:
HIV is NOT transmitted by casual physical contact, coughing, sneezing and kissing, by sharing toilet and washing facilities, by using eating utensils or consuming food and beverages handled by someone who has HIV; it is not spread by mosquitoes or other insect bites. Blood transfusions and the use of other blood products are mostly safe in the US, and mother to baby transmission can be prevented by proper treatment and care.

HIV prevention:
The most effective way to prevent HIV is by avoiding behaviors that might result in contact with infected blood, semen, or vaginal fluids:

• Practice safe sex to prevent HIV. Always use a condom during sexual activity, unless you are in a long-term relationship with one partner who does not have HIV or other sex partners.
• Do not have sex, including oral sex, with anyone who is infected with HIV. If you choose to continue to have sex with someone who has HIV
• Be regularly tested for HIV.
• Reduce your number of sex partners, preferably to one partner.
• Ask your sex partner or partners about their sexual history. Find out whether your partner has engaged in high-risk behaviors.
• Avoid alcohol and drugs, which can impair both your judgment and your immune system. People who know and understand safer sex practices do not practice them when they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Avoid sharing needles, syringes, cookers, cotton, spoons, or eyedroppers with others.

More information about HIV/AIDS:

Utah AIDS Foundation
801-487-2323 or 1-800-FON-AIDS
www.utahaids.org

Utah Department of Health HIV Prevention Program
801-538-6096
http://health.utah.gov/cdc/hiv_prev.htm

The CDC National AIDS Hotline
1-800-342-2437 or 1-800-CDC-INFO (English)
1-800-344-7432 (Spanish)
1-800-243-7889 (TTY).

See resources page for other links

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