Many frequently asked questions and misconceptions about HIV and AIDS exist. The Center for Disease Control reports 35,962 cases of AIDS and 14,110 deaths among people living with HIV in the United States in 2007. You should understand the facts about HIV, the risks, and how to prevent it.
HIV vs. AIDS
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. This disease that attacks the immune system, the body's CD4 and T cells which usually fight off disease. AIDS means acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This late stage of the HIV disease occurs when the body's compromised immune system becomes susceptible to certain diseases and cancers.
HIV Transmission
Risk factors for HIV transmission includes the following: all forms of unprotected sex without using a condom, sharing needles or equipment for illicit drugs, being born to an infected mother, contact through a needle stick or sharp object in a healthcare setting. Blood products and organ or tissue donations present a risk in countries where rigorous testing of these products is not available. Casual contact such as hugging and kissing do not present a risk for HIV transmission.
Cure for AIDS
No cure for AIDS currently exists. However, many advancements in HIV medications and treatment have occurred. Your doctor should monitor you if you have HIV and you should take medication if indicated to help prevent the progression to AIDS. AIDS continues to affect many lives and can result in death.
HIV and AIDS in America
Avert.org reports that while AIDS still affects homosexual men and those that inject illicit drugs, African Americans and Hispanic and Latinos have become vulnerable populations for acquiring HIV. Blacks comprised 49% of AIDS diagnoses in 2007, while they only comprise 12% of the population in the United States. Hispanics comprised 19% of the AIDS diagnoses while they only comprise 15% of the U.S. population.
Getting Tested
If you have put yourself at risk, you should get tested for HIV. Most tests done in HIV testing centers include antibody tests. Once infected with HIV, it can take three to 6 months for you to develop antibodies. The antibody test result may not be accurate during this "window" of time after risky behavior since your body has not produced antibodies yet. Persons waiting to get tested or re-tested should not engage in risky behavior for contracting HIV. Other tests that do not test for antibodies exist that you can ask your doctor about.
