Getting the Facts What does AIDS stand for? – Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

Getting the Facts What does HIV stand for? – Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Getting the Facts How does HIV affect the immune system? – Attacks the T Cells in the body. T cells are one type of "fighter" cell in the blood that help the body fight off all kinds of germs and diseases. – Eventually they are no longer capable of functioning properly and the entire immune system begins to fail.

Getting the Facts How is HIV spread? – Exchange of: Blood Semen Vaginal secretions Breast milk with an infected person – This can happen: During sexual intercourse Sharing drug needles or syringes (w/ an infected person) Sometimes during breastfeeding if the mother is infected

Getting the Facts Describe ways that HIV is NOT spread. – Casual Contact Shaking hands Hugging Kissing Toilet seats Being in the same room as an infected person – Donating Blood – By insects – By Saliva

Getting the Facts Define Incubation period. – The time between becoming infected and having symptoms.

Getting the Facts How long is the incubation period for HIV? – The period varies anywhere from several months to more than ten years.

Getting the Facts MYTH: Only homosexuals and IV drugs users get AIDS. FACT: – It is what you do, NOT who you are that puts you at risk for HIV infection.

Getting the Facts MYTH: People infected with HIV look and feel very sick. FACTS: – People with HIV infection can look and feel perfectly healthy for years. – You cannot tell a person’s HIV status by looking at him/her.

Getting the Facts MYTH: You can get HIV from an infected mosquito. FACTS: – Lab studies have proved you cannot get infected from mosquitoes. – HIV is ONLY transmitted from person to person.

Getting the Facts MYTH: The AIDS virus is easy to transmit. FACT: – You can only get HIV if you engage in the high risk behaviors.

Symptoms? 1. Most people don't feel any different after they are infected with HIV. 2. In fact, infected people often do not experience symptoms for years.

Is there a Cure? Right now there is no cure for HIV or AIDS BUT…. New medicines can help people live longer lives.

Prevention?? People can help stop the spread of HIV by: – avoiding sexual contact with infected people – by not sharing needles or syringes. Tatoo & piercings Health care workers help prevent the spread of HIV by: – wearing plastic gloves when working on a patient.

Need More Info? National AIDS Hotlines l.html l.html American Foundation for AIDS Research (amfAR) Aids.gov