WHAT’S THE HIV 411?

HIV is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) which occurs in the later stages of HIV. Unlike some other viruses, the human body can’t get rid of HIV. So once you have HIV, you have it for life.  HIV attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off infections. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease.

How Do You Get HIV?

You can get HIV through unprotected sex, blood to blood contact, or by sharing needles or other equipment used to inject drugs. Some people are also born HIV-positive and others can get HIV from their mother’s breast milk as infants.

Who Gets HIV?

Anybody can get HIV. HIV is a virus; once it gets into your body, it can make you sick. It does so if you are rich or poor; 14 years old or 70; black, Latino or white; gay or straight; married or single. You get the drift! It’s what you do, not who you are, that puts you at risk for HIV.

How Long Does It Take to Feel a Symptom of HIV?

People can have HIV for 10 years or more and never show any symptoms. Other people can get symptoms within a short time after being infected. The only way you can tell if you have HIV is to get an HIV test.

MYTHS ABOUT HIV