Healthy Living: HIV/AIDS
The more you know about HIV and AIDS, the better able you'll be to protect yourself and your partners. It's important to know how to prevent infection, or if you're already infected, which treatment options may help you.
Preventing Infection
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), HIV can be spread in these ways:
- Sexual contact with an infected person;
- Sharing needles and/or syringes with an infected person;
- Less commonly, through transfusions of infected blood (rare now in countries where blood is screened for HIV antibodies);
- Sometimes from HIV-infected women to their babies before or during birth or breastfeeding.
The CDC also says condoms can greatly reduce your risk of getting or transmitting HIV - when used correctly and every time you have sex. Only latex or polyurethane condoms provide a highly effective barrier to HIV, so be sure you're buying the right kind of condom and using it properly. If a male condom cannot be used, women can use a female condom.
Detecting Infection
The only way to know if you're infected is by having an HIV test. Many people who are infected with HIV have no symptoms. You can be tested at your local health department's clinic.
What is AIDS?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks a person's immune system. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the most serious stage of an HIV infection, and is caused by the destruction of the infected person's immune system.
HIV Treatment
Some medications can be used to treat a person with HIV and keep them healthy. However, there is no cure for HIV or AIDS. According to the National Institutes of Health, HIV treatment is complicated and must be tailored to your needs.
The Coastal Health District has a comprehensive HIV program. Find out more on our HIV/AIDS Services page.
WWW Address: http://www.gachd.org/healthy-living/hivaids.php