HIV/AIDS INFORMATION
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. A person infected with the virus can be without any symptoms for an average of 10 years, but still infect others durring this time. HIV weakens the immune system until it can no longer fight off common illnesses such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, cancers, and many others. A person is diagnosed with AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) when their immune system is seriously damaged by HIV. There is still no cure for HIV or AIDS.
HIV is transmitted..............
-
Through unprotected oral, anal, and/or vaginal sex with an infected partner
-
By sharing needles, syringes, or drug works with an infected person
-
During pregnancy, childbirth, or breast feeding from an infected mother to child
HIV is NOT transmitted..............
-
By casual contact with an infected person, i.e. shaking hands, sharing a bathroom, or eating from shared utensils.
-
By saliva, sweat, and tears.
-
By mosquitoes or any other insects
** Knowing your HIV status is the first step in HIV prevention. Protect yourself, get tested today!
Find out where you can get tested!
Regional Providers
The North Central District AIDS Coaliton sub-contracts three agencies to provide direct services throughout our twelve-county region.
​
Find out which Provider to contact here:
HIV Prevention
"Today, more tools than ever are available to prevent HIV. In addition to abstinence, limiting your number of sexual partners, never sharing needles, and using condoms the right way every time you have sex, you may be able to take advantage of newer medicines such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
​
If you are living with HIV, there are many actions you can take to prevent passing it to others. The most important is taking medicines to treat HIV (called antiretroviral therapy, or ART) the right way, every day. They can keep you healthy for many years and greatly reduce your chance of transmitting HIV to your partners." -Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
ASAPSCIENCE PRESENTS:
Science of HIV & AIDS
