Basic Information (Questions & Answers)

1. What are HIV and AIDS?

     HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Over time, most people infected with HIV become less able to fight off life-threatening infections and cancers. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the last stage of HIV disease. Doctors make AIDS diagnoses based on a set of symptoms and conditions identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

2. Who is at risk for getting infected with HIV?

     A person of any age, sex, race, ethnic group, religion, economic background or sexual orientation can become infected with HIV if he/she participates in unprotected sex or needle sharing activities with someone who is infected with HIV. Women with HIV can also pass the virus to their babies during pregnancy, delivery or by breastfeeding. Some health care workers have been infected through occupational exposure, such as needlesticks.

     Some people were infected before 1985, through blood transfusions or use of blood products. Since 1985, blood products are screened for HIV so that the risk of acquiring HIV through a blood transfusion is extremely low.

    Anyone who has had unprotected sex (sex without a latex condom) since the mid1970s and/or shared needles or works may have been exposed to HIV.

     All people infected with HIV can pass the virus to others. This is true whether or not people know they are infected and whether or not they have HIV related symptoms or an AIDS diagnosis.

3. DO all people with HIV have AIDS?

     No. HIV infection is a disease that can slowly damage the body' s immune system. Many people have flu-like symptoms for a few days after they are infected and then may go 10 or more years without symptoms. During this time, people may not know they are infected. However, an HIV antibody test can determine if someone is infected within three months of exposure to HIV, usually within one month. People with HIV are only diagnosed with AIDS when they have symptoms or conditions that match those defined by the CDC.

4. Why is it important for people to know if they are infected with HIV?

• The sooner people know they have HIV, the sooner they can make choices that will keep them healthier longer. That means: getting a good doctor, starting needed treatments and taking steps to ensure good health, like exercising and eating a healthy diet.

• Precautions can be taken so the virus is not passed to others, and people with HIV are not re-exposed to the virus. This includes stopping injection drug use, or stopping needle sharing if one uses drugs.

• Couples considering pregnancy or women who are pregnant can discuss treatment options with their doctors to reduce the risk of their infant becoming infected.

• Sex and needle sharing partners can be told they have been exposed to HIV so they can get tested and find out if they are infected.

The only way people will know if they are infected with HIV is to get an HIV antibody test.

5. How long can people live with HIV or AIDS?

     HIV disease progresses differently in different people. Some people may develop AIDS in just a few years after infection, while others may take much longer. A small number of people with HIV have not had symptoms even after 10 or more years and have not progressed to an AIDS diagnosis. Researchers are studying these people to determine why they remain healthy.

6. Is there a vaccine to prevent HIV infection or AIDS?

     No. There is no cure or vaccine for HIV infection or AIDS. Research scientists in the U.S. and other countries are actively working toward the development of a vaccine.