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HIV/AIDS Fact Sheet

OTHER NAMES	Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
ORGANISM	Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a retrovirus.
TRANSMISSION	HIV can be transmitted from person to person through sexual contact, sharing intravenous needles, syringes, and needle sharing equipment (works). The virus also can be passed to a baby during pregnancy or delivery. HIV can be transmitted through transfusions if the blood is infected.
INCUBATION	Variable. The time from infection to the development of detectable HIV antibodies is generally 1-3 months. The time from HIV infection to the development of symptoms and later diagnosis of AIDS ranges from several months to ten years or longer.
TYPICAL SYMPTOMS	Most people with HIV infection have no symptoms for many years. When symptoms appear, they include fever, weight loss, severe tiredness, swollen glands, and diarrhea. All these symptoms tend to last a long time and can get worse. Because the immune system gradually weakens, HIV infected people may develop a rare type of pneumonia or cancer, which are associated with AIDS. (We do not know if all cases of HIV infection progress to AIDS).
DIAGNOSIS	Laboratory tests have been developed to detect HIV antibodies, indicating a person has been infected with HIV. There are many low or no cost testing sites throught the country. The antibody test is not a diagnosis of AIDS. AIDS is diagnosed when the immune system becomes so weak that diseases and infections begin to attack the body.
TREATMENT	Although there is no cure for HIV infection or for AIDS, there is good news regarding treatment. Increased understanding of HIV disease progression, refinement and acceptance of holistic therapies, availability of sophisticated testing, ability to prevent or reduce the impact of opportunistic infections, and potent treatment therapies have made HIV an increasingly manageable chronic disease. Viral eradication is now described as a hopeful possibility.
PREVENTION	Don't have sex (abstinence) - Vaginal, oral, and anal sex can pass the infection from one person to another. Monogomy - If you do have sex, stay with one unifected partner who you are sure only has sex with you and has no other risks. Use condoms unless tests show that your partner does not have STDs. Take Precautions - If you do not choose abstinence or monogomy, then limit the number of sex partners and use a latex condom during the entire sex act (vaginal, anal, and oral) every time. When used the right way, condoms can help you from getting HIV. Be sure to put the condom on before the penis touches the vagina, mouth, or anus. Avoid Drug Use - Mind-altering drugs, including alcohol, reduce our ability to reason, which can lead to risky behavior and risky sex. Sharing needles for shooting up is especially dangerous in transmitting HIV. Education - Knowledge is the best defense against HIV infection. Education is the most effective way to bring about changes in risky behavior. The more you know, the better able you are to protect yourself.
DANGER	AIDS continues to be a major cause of death worldwide.

DSHS Electronic Publication Number E13-11898

Last Updated June 7, 2007