PROTECT

HIV/AIDS

What is it?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and is a group of health problems caused by the HIV ( Human Immunodeficiency Virus) virus. HIV is transmitted through an exchange of bodily fluids – cum/semen, blood, and vaginal fluids -- during anal, vaginal, and possibly oral sex, or when sharing IV drug use needles. People who test positive for HIV do not necessarily have AIDS. Many people are HIV+ but don't show symptoms of illness for years. People who do get AIDS can get ill and die from viruses, parasites, fungi and bacteria that usually don't cause problems for other people. There is currently no cure for AIDS.

Why worry about HIV/AIDS?
People with HIV show signs of AIDS when their immune system is seriously damaged. People with AIDS can suffer from what are called opportunistic infections, such as Kaposi's sarcoma (a skin cancer), PCP (a lung infection), CMV (a virus that infects the eyes), and candida (a fungal infection). AIDS-related diseases also include severe weight loss, brain tumors, and a myriad of other health problems.

AIDS shows up differently in every infected person. Some people develop AIDS and die soon after getting infected with HIV, while others live fairly normal lives for many years after they are diagnosed with AIDS. There are now treatments available that can slow down the replication of HIV in your body, along with any immune system damage. However, there is currently no cure for AIDS.

What are the symptoms of HIV infection?
Some people get flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, sore muscles and joints, stomach ache, swollen lymph glands, or a skin rash one or two weeks after exposure to the virus. Most people; however, have no symptoms at all. You might not know if you are infected with HIV. The only way to know is to test.

How do I test for HIV?
If you are infected with HIV, your body tries to fight the infection by making antibodies. The most common HIV test is a blood test which looks for these antibodies. If you have them in your blood, it means that you are HIV positive. After exposure, it usually takes between three weeks and three months for your immune system to produce antibodies to HIV. If you think you were exposed to HIV, consider waiting a few weeks to three months before testing. Use condoms with all sexual activity to protect yourself and others during this waiting period. You can also test right away and then get re-tested. During this "window period," an antibody test may give a negative result, but you can transmit the virus to others if you are infected.

Newer tests can detect HIV antibodies in saliva, a scraping from inside the cheek, or urine. Rapid HIV testing is available in many places throughout the Portland metro area. Rapid test results are available within a half an hour after a blood or oral sample is taken. Home test kits are available online and in stores and allow you to collect your own sample; your sample is then sent to a lab for testing.

Confidential or Anonymous?
Testing can be done confidentially or anonymously. Confidential antibody testing means that you use your name and other identifying information for the test. With confidential testing, your result is recorded in a medical file. In Oregon, if you test positive for HIV,
the test result and your name will be reported to the state HIV/STD/TB program. Neither your provider nor the state program can release your name to any government agency or individual without your consent, as required by Oregon law. To access any HIV
services in the community, a person testing HIV positive must have a name on their test to verify their status. The MCHD STD Clinic and others provide low cost and free confidential HIV testing.

Anonymous testing means that you get tested without using a name or other identifying information. Currently, a person who gets either type of HIV test is offered HIV/STD risk reduction counseling.

How is HIV/AIDS treated?
Currently, there is no cure for HIV or AIDS. Anti-retroviral medication is available to slow down the virus and its damage to the immune system. These medications can also help reduce the overall rates of opportunistic infections in people with AIDS. These medications need to be taken as prescribed and there can be side effects from long term use. Alternative therapies are also available, including acupuncture, herbs, and nutritional support, to improve health and wellness among persons with HIV. These therapies can be used together with the anti-retroviral medication or as an alternative; seeing a qualified alternative health care provider is recommended. HIV medications or alternative medicine can minimize illness and enhance one’s quality of life.

What can I do if I have HIV/AIDS?
Keep your stress levels low, eat well, exercise regularly, and get lots of rest. Disclose your HIV status before sex and/or use condoms to protect yourself and partners. Work closely with a health care provider to monitor your health and determine the best course of treatment or therapy over time. For treatment and medical service resources in Oregon, call 503-223-AIDS or 1-800-223-AIDS.

How do I avoid getting HIV/AIDS?
• Not having sex or using IV drugs is the best way to prevent HIV and STDs.
• If having sex, reduce number of sex partners.
• Protect yourself and partners and use condoms each time you have anal and vaginal.
• Consider condoms during oral sex. While not common, HIV has been spread through oral sex. Other STDs like syphilis and gonorrhea are spread through oral sex and increase risks of getting/giving HIV.
• Spit (don’t swallow) and/or pull out before cumming.

Want to know more?
CDC HIV Fact Sheets
Definitions (e.g. CD4, superinfection, viral load) Newly added
All About HIV (aka HIV 101) Ask questions, share concerns, learn about services. Call 503-230-1202 for details.