HIV-positive means the person
has the virus HTL V-III existing in his or her blood.
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) means the person not only has the virus, but also shows symptoms resulting from a breakdown and failure of the body’s immune system caused by the virus, HTL V-III. High-risk individuals are those that have or have had other sexually transmitted diseases, drug users, and homosexuals. HIV infection rates are increasing among heterosexuals, teenagers and women. Since 1985, blood supplies and donors have been carefully screened for the virus. Remember there is NO VACCINE! The United States continues to experience a greater increase in new AIDS cases than any other developed nation. About 900,000 Americans are estimated to be living with HIV or AIDS. Not all individuals that have the virus have been diagnosed.
You are at risk if you practice unprotected sex. Users of intravenous drugs who share needles are also risking their lives and the lives of others.
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Transmission
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By unprotected oral, anal, or genital sex with someone infected with HIV.
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Spread by transfer of blood, semen or vaginal fluid in sex, sharing IV-needles during drug use, piercing or tattooing with unsterilized needles. Infected women can transmit HIV to babies before, during or after birth. No risk in giving blood. Not spread by casual contact. |
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Protection
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ALWAYS USE A CONDOM and insist that your partner uses a reliable contraceptive. Condoms aren’t 100% effective but they offer the best protection for you and your partner. No deep kissing, anal sex, oral-genital contact. Stay away from intravenous drugs. |
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Symptons
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Many individuals have no early symptoms. Swollen lymph glands. |
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Night sweats. |
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Fever. |
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Diarrhea. |
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Weight loss. |
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Fatigue. |
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Shingles. |
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Possible thrush, the occurrence of which is usually about ten years after infection. |
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Treatment
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NO CURE! Early testing is essential to diagnose and treat HIV with new drugs that are continuing to be introduced to the market with improved results. An HIV positive person can live an almost normal life but you must practice safe sex or no sex at all. |
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Positive antibody test means that the person has HIV antibodies and is considered .HIV positive. A person need not feel sick to be a carrier and at danger of infecting others. |
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Important to identify early signs of AIDS - related infections. |
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Dangers
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Those who carry HIV could develop full-blown AIDS unless a combination of medicines is prescribed. |
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Don’t ignore unexplained cough, fever, rash, and headache. Early diagnosis and treatment can prolong and improve one’s quality of life. With full-blown AIDS the immune system shuts down. |
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