How Do I Treat & Prevent HIV - HIV Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28x665VK9FU

Who should be tested for HIV?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all sexually active adults receive an HIV test annually. Those persons who should be tested for HIV include those who are having unprotected sex or engage in high risk behavior should be tested more frequently.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. It can be passed through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex or through sharing needles.

How is HIV tested?

HIV is tested conclusively with a laboratory-based blood test.

How is HIV treated?

Currently there is no vaccine or cure for the HIV virus but there are medications that patients can take.  These include a combination of antiretroviral drugs that makeup a cocktail that the patients can take.  Patients can do well with these medications and live longer with a productive lifestyle

How can you prevent HIV?

You can prevent transmission of HIV by not participating in risky behaviors by using condoms when you have sex and by not sharing needles.

Real Help on HIV Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yptLZMlVepA

How common is HIV?

There are about 50,000 new cases of HIV each year in the U.S.

What is HIV?

HIV, or the human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that causes AIDS.  It also affects the immune system and causes the immune system to become susceptible to infections.

What are the symptoms of HIV?

Initially, someone who is exposed to HIV may not have any symptoms at all.  This may happen over a period of three to six months.  After which time, the body begins to recognize the virus and develops antibodies.  At that time, patients will experience flu-like illnesses and symptoms that will go away.

Then after these symptoms go away the patient will not have any symptoms at all.  This can go from ten to 15 years without further symptoms, but the disease process does advance from HIV to AIDS over this time period.

Then, the patient may experience:

• fever,
• weight loss or wasting,
• diarrhea, and
• possibly even pneumonia

Since HIV often does not have noticeable symptoms, it is important to get an HIV test at least annually.

Who should be tested for HIV?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that all sexually active adults receive an HIV test annually. Those persons who should be tested for HIV include those who are having unprotected sex or engage in high risk behavior should be tested more frequently.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is transmitted through blood and bodily fluids. It can be passed through unprotected vaginal, oral or anal sex or through sharing needles.

How is HIV tested?

HIV is tested conclusively with a laboratory-based blood test.

How is HIV treated?

Currently there is no vaccine or cure for the HIV virus but there are medications that patients can take.  These include a combination of antiretroviral drugs that makeup a cocktail that the patients can take.  Patients can do well with these medications and live longer with a productive lifestyle

How can you prevent HIV?

You can prevent transmission of HIV by not participating in risky behaviors by using condoms when you have sex and by not sharing needles.