AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It is a disease caused by a virus. This virus is called HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus. HIV is contagious, but not like a cold or the flu. HIV is spread through direct intimate contact with body fluids, such as blood, vaginal secretions, or semen. Certain other body fluids, like breast milk, can also carry HIV. However, HIV is not spread by saliva or spit. It is also not spread by sweat or tears.
HIV is passed to others by:
Most people who are infected with HIV eventually develop AIDS. When people develop AIDS, their ability to fight infection is slowly destroyed. Some people live with HIV for many years before developing AIDS. In other people, AIDS occurs very quickly. Today, experts believe that everyone who develops AIDS will eventually die from complications of the disease. However, there are many new treatments for HIV and AIDS. Early diagnosis and treatment may add many years to your life.
Many women say that they do not want to be tested to see if they have HIV because they think nothing can be done if it is positive. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, it is especially important to get tested for HIV. There are new treatments that can help prevent your baby from becoming infected if you have HIV.
If you use needles to inject drugs, use new needles or thoroughly clean your needles before and after re-using them. There is a 3-step cleaning process that uses bleach to disinfect needles. The steps must be done immediately before AND after using the needle. Contact the National AIDS Hotline at 800-342-2437 for the proper 3-step cleaning instructions that will eliminate the risk of getting HIV with a used needle.
If you are sexually active, engage in safer sex. While safer sex is not one hundred percent effective, it can greatly reduce your risk of infection with HIV and other diseases. Use latex or plastic condoms for intercourse, anal sex, or oral sex with men. Use dental dams or other barriers for oral sex with women. Avoid lambskin condoms and oil-based lubricants. Using latex or plastic condoms with water-based lubricants may also help reduce risk. The best method to prevent developing any sexually transmitted disease, including AIDS, is abstinence.
Sometimes women have problems insisting that a man put on a condom. You may be risking your life if you do not speak up. Although female condoms cost a little more, they put the woman in control.
Last Reviewed 2005
Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
HIL File INFE4620.RF2 VRS# 4620 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999-2000, 2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.