|
AIDS is caused by a virus called HIV
(Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
When a person is infected with HIV, the virus infects
and can kill certain cells in the immune system
called T-helper cells. This weakens the immune system
so that other opportunistic infections can occur.
The HIV-infected person is said to have AIDS (Acquired
Immunodeficiency Syndrome) when they become sick
with other specific infections or when the number
of T-helper cells has dropped below 200.
People at highest risk of AIDS and HIV
infection are:
- People who share needles
- Men who have sex with other men
- Babies born to mothers who have HIV infection
- People who received blood transfusions or blood
products before 1985
- Anyone who has sex with anyone who has or is
at risk for AIDS or HIV infection
HIV is in blood and other body fluids
The virus is in the blood, semen, menstrual blood,
vaginal secretions, and breast milk of HIV infected
persons. The virus can be there even if the person
has no symptoms of HIV-infection or AIDS. People
who are infected with HIV will carry (and be able
to pass on) the virus for the rest of their lives.
HIV is spread by exposure to HIV infected
blood and HIV infected body fluids
HIV can be spread during sex, by sharing needles
to inject drugs, or from mother to baby (before
or during birth, or by breast feeding). HIV is rarely
spread by getting stuck by a used needle, or by
getting blood or other infected body fluids onto
a mouth, eyes, or broken skin. The virus is not
spread by casual contact like living in the same
household, or working with a person who carries
HIV.
Certain symptoms and conditions may be
associated with HIV/AIDS
These symptoms and conditions may include: fever,
weight loss, swollen lymph glands in the neck, under
arms or groin, white patches in the mouth (thrush),
certain cancers (Kaposi's sarcoma, certain lymphomas,
certain invasive cervical cancers), and infections
(Pneumocystis pneumonia, certain types of meningitis,
toxoplasmosis, certain blood infections, TB, etc.).
A blood test may tell if you have HIV infection
or AIDS
You can get a HIV blood test at your doctor's office
or at Counseling and Testing Sites throughout Maryland.
Call your local health department or the AIDS Hotline
(1-800-638-6252) for information.
There is treatment for people with HIV
infection and AIDS
Many drugs are available to treat the infections
and cancers associated with AIDS. There are also
drugs available for people with HIV infection that
can help prevent them from getting sicker.
HIV and AIDS are preventable
- Abstaining from sex, monogamy (having sex with
one uninfected partner who only has sex with you),
and use of barrier protection (condoms) are the
most protective prevention strategies.
- People who use injection drugs should try to
quit. Otherwise, never share needles.
- People with HIV or AIDS should discuss their
HIV status with their doctors and dentists, and
inform their sex and needle sharing partners.
- Women who are pregnant or planning a pregnancy
are encouraged to talk with their doctor about
getting tested for HIV. If a mother is known to
be infected with HIV, there is treatment to decrease
the chance that her baby will become infected.
- Practices called Universal Precautions and
Standard Precautions, such as the use of gloves,
goggles, gowns, etc., are used by health care
practitioners for prevention of transmission of
any communicable disease including HIV.
Free education and literature are available from
410-799-1940. |
are PDF. Download