The Basics

So what is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus (germ) that attacks the human immune system (your immune system is what helps your body fight off germs and sickness). If you become infected with HIV, it can eventually turn into a condition called AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) which can be life threatening. There are medicines available that can help to slow the progress of the disease, but as yet there is no cure.

How do you get it?

HIV is a sexually transmitted disease. You can become infected with HIV through unprotected sexual intercourse (meaning sex without a condom) with an infected partner. Certain sexual activities have more risk than others as far as transmitting HIV. For instance, unprotected anal sex (letting a man stick his penis in your butt) is the highest risk activity (meaning it's really easy to get HIV that way). The next highest risk activity is unprotected vaginal sex (when a man sticks his penis in your vagina). Although the risk is slightly lower, for vaginal vs. anal sex, both of these are extremely high-risk activities for heterosexual women. Also, the presence of any other sexually transmitted disease (such as Chlamydia, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, or Herpes) can put you at increased risk (making it much easier for HIV to get in your body). Back to menu

What about oral sex?

According to the State of California Office of AIDS: Oral sex (putting your mouth on his penis) is considered a "lower risk" sexual activity. (It means that the risk of getting HIV is there, only less). So you may still want to take precautions when you participate in oral sex. 

What are some of the other ways a person can become infected? 

Because HIV is present in blood, there are several other ways that HIV can be transmitted. These include: 

• Sharing needles to inject drugs or steroids
• Receiving tattoos or body piercing with unsterilized equipment
• Sharing snorting equipment such as straws or pens when blood is present

How can you tell if someone has HIV?

YOU CAN'T. There is no way to tell just by looking at someone whether or not they have the disease. Many people are infected with HIV, but look and feel healthy. They may go for years without any symptoms. Unless they have taken an HIV test and are practicing safer-sex activities, there is a chance that they may be unknowingly spreading the virus to others. Many women become infected by male partners who did not know that they had HIV. The only way to find out if you or your partner is infected is to take an HIV test. Back to menu

Common Myths about HIV/AIDS

1. "HIV is a Gay disease"
2. "HIV only affects those other people"
3. "Heterosexual men only have sex with women"
4. "If my partner had HIV, he would tell me"
5. "I only have one partner, therefore I am not at risk"
6. "Only promiscuous women get HIV"

Common Truths about HIV/AIDS

1. "You can't get HIV from kissing someone"
2. "HIV does not live on toilet seats"
3. "You will not get HIV from touching"
4. "HIV does not discriminate, it can happen to anyone"
5. "Partners are not always faithful"
6. "Women can get HIV from their husbands"

Still don't believe you're at risk?

If you answered Yes to 1 or 4 - You are at risk
If you answered No to 2, 3, or 5 - You are at risk

OK, I'm convinced of my risk. So how can I find out if I am infected? 

Currently there are two types of tests available to check for HIV antibodies: #1 - The standard Blood Test, consists of drawing a tube of blood from your arm and sending it to the lab to check for HIV "antibodies" (an antibody test is not looking for the virus itself, but for a particular type of immune response that the body produces when it comes into contact with HIV) #2 - The other type of test available is called "Orasure", and uses a swab placed between your cheek and gum to absorb cells that contain antibodies. Each of these tests are accurate, so either one is an effective way to know if you have HIV. Because it can take anywhere from 2 to 12 weeks to develop antibodies, the test may not be accurate if taken during the first few weeks after a possible exposure. (Meaning if you have unprotected sex with someone tonight, and you didn't know their HIV status, you will have to wait at least two weeks to get an accurate test result).

What can I do if I think I was exposed to HIV last night?

In some areas of the country there are studies going on to find out if taking HIV medications within the first few days after an exposure can help prevent someone from becoming infected. These programs are called "PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) Studies". Your state HIV hotline can give you information on a PEP study in your area. 

What about my privacy?

There are two types of HIV testing programs available: The first is an Anonymous test (which uses a "unique identifier code" instead of your name); the second is a Confidential test (which has your name attached to the result). By law, the testing site may not release your HIV result to anyone except you without your written permission...not even your husband or your partner. Keep in mind that if you choose to test at your personal physicians office (versus a state-funded testing site), your doctor may not be obligated to abide by the same confidentiality standards.  Back to menu