What is HIV and AIDS?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is a virus that takes over certain immune system cells to make many copies of itself. HIV causes slow but constant damage to the immune system.

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS is the condition diagnosed when there are a group of related symptoms that are caused by severe HIV infection. AIDS makes the body vulnerable to life-threatening illnesses called opportunistic infections.

How does HIV affect the body?

Normally, the human immune system is the body’s protection against bacterias, viruses, etc.; it is like a coat of armor. When HIV enters the body, it starts poking holes in the armor. Eventually, the armor becomes very weak and unable to protect the body. Once the armor is very weak or is gone, the person is said to have AIDS. An AIDS diagnosis is generally made when either the body's protective T-cells drop below a certain level, or the HIV-positive individual begins to experience opportunistic infections. An opportunistic infection is an infection that would not normally affect an otherwise healthy person. Oftentimes, it's these infections that are the cause of illness or death in HIV-positive individuals - not the virus itself. If people do not get any treatment for HIV disease, it takes an average of 8-10 years to progress from HIV to AIDS.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is transmitted through four body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk. In order to pass HIV from one person to another, HIV-infected fluid from one person needs to get into the bloodstream of another person. HIV is usually transmitted through sharing needles, unprotected anal, vaginal, and sometimes oral sex, and from mother to infant before or during delivery or while breastfeeding.

**Special Note for HIV-Positive Mothers:

In developed countries like the U.S., formula feeding is strongly recommended over breastfeeding for babies of HIV-positive mothers. Whether choosing breastfeeding or formula, there should be little or no switching between the two, as doing so could put the child at a higher risk of contracting HIV, since baby formula can be harsh and weaken the lining of a baby's stomach, giving a path for HIV to enter the baby's bloodstream.

How can I prevent myself from contracting HIV?

Becoming educated about HIV and understanding how it is transmitted is the first, and perhaps most important way to prevent the spread of HIV. It is essential for people to make informed decisions about the level of risk they are willing to take, based on what is realistic for them.

Abstaining from sex and needle sharing is the most effective way for people to protect themselves from HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. However, abstinence is not a realistic option for everyone.

Safer Sex

When abstinence is not an option, the proper use of barrier protection such as latex or polyurethane condoms (male or female), with a water based lubricant*, is the next best thing for vaginal or anal sex.