HIV Basics
What is HIV
Some common terms:
- HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus
- AIDS*: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
- HIV-Positive/HIV+: A person living with HIV or AIDS
- T-cell: One of the body's immune system cells that recognizes infected cells and works to destroy them
- CD4: The particular receptor on the surface of a T-cell which HIV attacks
- Viral load: A measure of the number of HIV cells (or "copies") in a sample of blood
- Retrovirus: A group of viruses with specific genetic makeup; they include the HIV virus
*AIDS is the medical term for the syndrome characterized by a very high viral load, and a very low T-cell count. It can take months to many, many years for an individual to develop AIDS, and it depends upon the individual, his/her general health, how soon the virus is detected and treated, and the maintenance and regularity of the treatment.
How does someone become infected with HIV?
HIV is transmitted through four bodily fluids only: blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk. HIV can only enter the body by direct entry into the blood stream (e.g. using contaminated syringes) or by passage through a mucous membrane. Mucous membranes in the body include the vagina, anus, and the urethra opening of the penis; therefore, HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sex. HIV can also be passed from an HIV-infected mother to her infant through breastfeeding. HIV is specifically a human disease, and cannot be transmitted by other animals or insects, including mosquitoes.
What does HIV do?
HIV reproduces more of itself in a person's body, gradually attacking the immune system until the body's defense system is weakened to the point that it cannot fight off other "opportunistic infections", including pneumonia and other types of infections. There is currently no cure for HIV, but the progress of HIV infection can be slowed by the use of different pharmaceutical drugs, which have different functions, and which are constantly being improved and developed. NCAP assists HIV+ individuals in accessing specialty medical care, which addresses specific treatment options for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.
What can I do to reduce my risk for contracting HIV?
- Use male or female condoms during sex
- Communicate with your partners about their HIV status: ASK!
- If you are someone who injects drugs, never share your needles or works: change your method of drug use, reduce use or abstain from use, or use clean supplies provided by NCAP.
- Get tested for other STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections) like gonorrhea and chlamydia; these STIs often don't show any symptoms, but increase your risk for contracting HIV.
- Get tested to find out your HIV status and encourage your partner(s) to do the same.
- Talk to an NCAP counselor about a risk reduction plan that will work for you.
Resources
Websites
- www.thebody.com - (National Resources for the HIV - Positive)
- www.unaids.org - (Homepage for the United Nations AIDS Programme)
- www.knowhivaids.org - (National Testing and Resources)
Phone Numbers
- NCAP ~ (970)484-4469
- Larimer County Health Department ~ (970)498-6767
- Colorado HIV/AIDS Hotline ~ (800)252-2437
