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First things first, what is HIV and what is AIDS?
HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. Having HIV infection is not the same as having AIDS. HIV causes a spectrum of conditions and symptoms.
HIV can be transmitted 1) by sexual contact 2) by direct exposure to infected blood and 3) from an HIV infected woman to her fetus during pregnancy or childbirth or to her infant during breastfeeding. Anyone can get HIV, no matter your age, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
AIDS - Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
A - Acquired (not inherited)
ID - Immune Deficiency (a breakdown of the body's defense system)
S - Syndrome (a group of related disorders or symptoms)
AIDS is the severe, life-threatening condition caused by HIV.
Know Your Status
Should you be tested for HIV? To figure out if you should be tested, ask yourself these questions:
Have you had unprotected sex (oral, anal, vaginal)?
Have you shared needles or works (for drugs, tattoos, body piercings, steroids, hormones)?
Have you tested positive for a sexually transmitted infection (STI)?
Even if you answer ‘no' to all of the above, you should still consider being tested, particularly if your sexual partner can answer ‘yes' to any of the above.
To find out more about HIV, AIDS, being tested, and more, please browse the following links or call us or your doctor for additional resources.
More Information:
CDC National AIDS Hotline
Department of Health and Human Services HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Service
Health Information, HIV and AIDS
AVERT, HIV and AIDS information
U of A, AIDS in Canada