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FAQ's - Frequently Asked Questions
HIV (Human Immune-deficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. People who have HIV in their bodies have HIV infection, or HIV.
uHIV is a disease with many stages. People with HIV may have no symptoms, a few symptoms or many serious symptoms. uPeople can have HIV for many years without feeling or looking sick. They may not even know they have HIV. But they can still pass the virus on to others. uOver time, HIV damages the body’s immune system. The immune system protects the body from disease. uWhen the immune system gets very weak, other diseases and infections can enter the body. This stage of HIV is called AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Virus).
HIV lives in semen, vaginal fluids, blood and breast milk of a person with HIV. It can be passed from one person to another through these infected fluids.
uHIV can be passed during vaginal, oral or anal sex. uHIV can be passed while sharing needles and equipment to inject drugs. uHIV can be passed by needles used for tattoos and piercing or to inject vitamins or steroids. uHealth workers caring for people with HIV can get HIV from needle stick injuries. uHIV can be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, child birth or breastfeeding.
Before 1985, some people got HIV from infected blood transfusions. Now the blood supply in the United States is tested. So the chances of getting HIV this way are very, very small.
HIV is Not Passed By:
udonating blood uhugging, dry kissing or sharing food utelephones, toilet seats, towels or eating utensils utears, saliva, sweat or urine umosquitoes or other insects
Protect Yourself!
uUse a new latex condom and a water-based lubricant every time for vaginal or anal sex. uDon’t use oil-based lubricants. Hand creams, massage oils, Vaseline, etc., can cause the condom to break. uUse a new latex condom every time for oral sex on a man. uFor oral sex on a woman or oral/anal sex on a man or woman, use a barrier such as a dental dam, a latex condom cut and rolled out flat, or plastic food wrap. Use a new barrier each time. uPeople who are allergic to latex can use plastic (polyurethane) condoms. These come in both male and female styles. uDon’t have sex when you’re drunk or high. Using alcohol or other drugs affects judgment and can lead to unsafe sex.
You Are at Risk if You:
uHave had sex with a man or woman who has had other partners. uHave shared injection drug needles, or had sex with someone who has. uHad a blood transfusion before 1985, when HIV testing began, or have had sex with someone who did.
You Are Probably Not at Risk if You:
uHave had no sex, or have been monogamous (had sex only with one partner who doesn’t have HIV and who only has sex with you). uHave not shared needles to inject drugs or for any other reason, and have not had sex with anyone who has. uDid not receive a blood transfusion or any blood products before 1985.
The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to have an HIV test.
The HIV test looks for HIV anti-bodies in your body.
If you have antibodies, your test results will be positive. This means you have HIV.
If you do not have antibodies, your test will be negative. This means one of two things:
uYou don’t have HIV. uYou have HIV, but your body hasn’t made antibodies yet.
Rarely, a test result is neither negative nor positive. When this happens, the test must be done again.
It usually takes up to 3 months after infection for the body to make HIV antibodies.
In rare cases, it can take up to 6 months. This period is called the “window period.”
At the Test Center:
uA counselor explains the test and answers your questions. uThen a health care worker will take a little blood from your arm, take cells from the inside of your cheek with a cotton swab, or ask for a urine sample. uThe sample is sent to a lab. uIn about 2 weeks, you go back to get the results.
Some sites offer a quick test using a blood sample. Results are available in a few minutes.
Most test centers provide counseling to help you understand what the results mean and learn how to prevent the spread of HIV.
Types of Testing
Anonymous testing means you are the only one who will know your test result. You use a code name or number to get your result.
Confidential testing means your name is known and your test result is put into your medical record.
In general, your result cannot be shared without your OK. But you should ask who has access to your medical record before taking the test.
After a Positive Test
A positive test means you have HIV. Positive results are almost 100% accurate.
uIf you test HIV positive, find a health care provider who knows about HIV right away. Early treatment can help you stay healthy and can help slow the progress of the disease. uServices for people with HIV include help with health care, income, food and legal services.
After a Negative Test
A negative test means no HIV antibodies were in your body at the time of the test.
uThis may mean you do not have HIV. uA negative test might also mean you have HIV, but your body has not made HIV antibodies yet. uGet tested again at least 3 months after any risky behavior.
Home Testing Kits
HIV antibody home testing kits can be purchased at a pharmacy.
uFollowing the kits instructions, you mail a blood sample for testing, along with a code name or number. uResults are given by phone when you call and give your code.
Explore our website or call (626) 744-6140 for additional information.
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