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HIV/AIDS Prior to the 1980’s not much was known about HIV/Aids. The growing number of those infected pushed doctors and researchers to find out whatever they could about the virus. During the 1980’s HIV/Aids was known as the “Gay disease”, “GRID”, and “Gay Cancer”. This was due to the large number of MSM’s (men who have sex with men) that were testing positive for HIV/Aids. Also, at the time there was a high number of intravenous drug users that were testing positive. It was later found the the virus could be spread through sharing needles, works, and equipment with someone that was HIV positive. The number of MSM’s that are HIV/Aids positive has drastically decreased, however now there is an increase of heterosexual (straight) women testing positive for HIV/Aids and intravenous drug users are still at high risk for contracting and or transmitting the virus through intravenous drugs. There is still no cure for HIV/Aids and the only way of preventing the spread of HIV is through educating the public about the virus and how it is transmitted. About HIV/AIDS What is HIV? Human - HIV is transmitted though an exchange of certain body fluids with another humans (only found in humans) Immunodeficiency - HIV attacks the immune system, causing a deficiency in white blood cells. Virus - HIV needs a human host to survive (also, viruses have no cures) What is AIDS? Acquired - Once infected with HIV it takes time for the virus to deplete white blood cells; also, it is acquired from someone else. Immune - System that helps fight infections in the body. Deficiency - Losses its ability to work properly. Syndrome - Set of predictable symptoms that indicate the immune system is severely weakened. HIV and AIDS HIV is the virus that causes Aids AIDS is a condition brought on by the Virus. An AIDS diagnosis is given when either: The CD4 (white blood cell) count is below 200, and/or a person is diagnosed with an “AIDS - Defining illness” this can be one of many opportunistic infections). An Average CD4 count is approximately 800-1200, but can get as low as 500 when a person is stressed or ill. How Does HIV Work? White Blood Cells are part of the immune system HIV infects a certain type of heathy white blood cell (called the CD4 or T-cell...) HIV takes over the cell and begins reproducing* itself The infected cell becomes an HIV “factory” These copies of the virus infect other white blood cells and repeat the process over and over again. HIV Timeline *Acute stage -* When exposed to HIV it takes 14 - 90 days (the Window Period) before antibodies will be detected by an HIV screening test. During the *Window Period* the level of virus (viral load) is extremely high. This is a time when the virus can be passed on to others easily. *Also,* some early *temporary* symptoms, can include: Flu-like symptoms; fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, joint and muscle aches. Many people will have NO symptoms. *Asymptomatic stage -* Many people will have no noticeable symptoms for many years. On average, a person can go 7-15 years with no symptoms. This can be even longer if someone is diagnosed early and taking HIV medications. However, if someone is using alcohol and/or drugs or has other immune problems the symptomatic period can occur more quickly. *Also, age is a factor in immune system health.* New medications slow down* the progression of the virus and can delay an AIDS diagnosis. *Symptomatic Stage -* Recurring symptoms can include: flu-like symptoms night sweats weight loss body rash swollen glands oral thrush and/or yeast infections (CD4 count may still be above 200) *May also have:* The onset of an “AIDS-Defining Illness” This is when an individual has: a CD4 count of 200 or below certain opportunistic infections Infection and STDs or STIs Untreated STDs or STIs *increase* your chance of HIV transmission. This is because HIV need to attach to a white blood cell and there are a number of white blood cells present (and vulnerable) when you have a STD or STI. Approximately 50% (or more) of women and men have no symptoms of the most common STDs. What is an Opportunistic Infection? They are all infections that “take advantage” of the opportunity presented by a weakened immune system. These infections, in general, would be fought off by a functioning immune system and NOT cause someone to become severely ill. These infections could be cancerous, parasitic, fungal, viral, or bacterial. Some examples of Opportunistic infections: PCP (Pneumocystis Pneumonia) - caused by exposure to pigeon feces (airborne) Toxoplasmosis - caused by exposure to cat feces (airborne) KS (Kaposi Sarcoma) - a rare form of skin cancer There are many other opportunistic infections that will impact a weakened immune system. How is HIV Transmitted (Fluids)? Blood Semen Pre-Cum Breast Milk Vaginal Fluids Anal Secretions All of these fluids contain white blood cells... How Does HIV Enter a Body? HIV must have a Point of Entry into the body P.O.E are the Mucus Membranes (“pink parts”) of the body: Eyes Ears (Inner Ear) Nose Mouth Anal Canal Vaginal Canal Urethra Broken skin also serves as an entry point! Mother can also pass to child while pregnant or during delivery or breastfeeding. How is HIV NOT Transmitted (Fluids)? Snot Urine Vomit Tears Feces Sweat Saliva Even if theses fluids do enter the body, most do not contain white blood cells. However, if there is visible blood present in these fluids they could transmit HIV. The Most Common Methods of HIV Transmission Are...... Unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex sharing needles for drugs, hormones, or medications. This includes sharing cottons, cookers, works, ect. Tattooing, body piercing or other broken skin contact if equipment is shared or not disinfected properly. Mother to child transmission (Rare in US) Blood to blood exposure (Rare but possible with unclean equipment or supplies) Occupational Exposure - needle stick injury, exposure to blood or other infected body fluids. Mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) If an HIV+ woman gives birth to a baby with no interventions, there is a 25% chance that the baby will become HIV+. If an HIV+ woman makes anti-retrofiral medications and other precautions while pregnant, and does not breastfeed, the chance drops to less than 2%. Babies are born with the HIV+ mom’s antibodies. It will take 6 to 8 months for the baby to form its own immune system. Babies born to HIV+ mothers are also prescribed medications to take to help ensure they will not become HIV+. How Can I Reduce My Risk for HIV? Abstinence (no sex at all). Masterbation - solo or mutual (without fluid exchange). Sex between mutually monogamous, tested, uninfected partners (Remember the window period..)! Use a condom during vaginal or anal sex (male condom or female condom) Use a dental dam for oral-vaginal and oral-anal sex. Use a condom for oral-penile sex. Use sterile needles and works when injecting (don’t share anything)! HIV TESTING The HIV Rapid Test takes two drops of blood and gives results in 20 minutes. A negative is confirmed negative. A reactive test needs to have a confirmatory test done. HIV Rapid Test measures the about of HIV antibodies in a drop or sample of blood. And of course you must be outside the window period for true results. Confidential Test - name and personal information is taken, but all is kept in a secure database. Anonymous Test - no name or personal information is taken, a number is assigned. Only available though health department staff. If a person has a confirmed positive test using Anonymous testing they will need to agree to convert the test to Confidential in order to receive benefits and services. Where Can I get Tested? *Southern Tier Aids Program* - Johnson City, New York Call for times & details: 800-333-0892 OR 607-798-1706 *Southern Tier Aids Program* - Ithaca, New York Call for times & details: 888-206-2870 OR 607-272-4098 Local Health Department in each county Local *Planned Parenthood* Offices If you have any questions regarding HIV/AIDS please contact us! We are more than happy to help answer any questions you may have.