This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences.

 

·        HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV weakens the body’s  natural defense against illness.  A person can be infected with HIV for 7 –10 years before they develop AIDS.  AIDS is a term used to describe a disease characterized by one or more symptomatic conditions such as TB, pnuemocystis carini pneumonia, Kaposi’s Sarcoma, chronic yeast infections, etc.  AIDS is the last stage of HIV where the immune system is very weak and cannot fully protect against illness.   There are new treatments available to help fight secondary infections for those who are infected with the virus.  There is still no cure for HIV/AIDS.

 

How is HIV spread?

·       HIV is spread through:

1.      HIV infected blood and blood products.

2.      Sexual contact – vaginal, anal or oral with someone who is infected.

3.      Sharing needles – injectable drugs or sharps sharing steroids, ear piercing, tattoos.

4.      Infected mother to fetus – before, during or after birth.

     Body fluids that transmit the HIV virus:

1.      Blood/blood products

2.      Semen

3.      Vaginal secretions

4.      Breast Milk

How HIV is NOT spread!

        Ways the virus is NOT spread:

1.      Hugging

2.      Handshake

3.      Toilet

4.      Eating & Drinking

5.      Closed mouth kissing

6.      Coughing or breathing

                      Body fluids that do NOT transmit the virus:

1.      Sweat

2.      Saliva

3.      Tears

4.      Urine

Resources

Illinois Department of Public Health

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

 

This page published with permission from Southern Illinois Regional Implementation Group.