HIV? What's that?!

[Kiki]

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. Its spread through these 4 bodily fluids: blood, semen, vaginal fluids and mothers breast milk. THATS IT! It's NOT spread via sweat, tears and saliva. You CAN'T GET IT by sitting on public toilet seats or hanging on to the metal pole on The Bus (Although you may catch a cold that way).

Questions? Please ask us! Let's talk story...

[Lani]

Here is a simple definition of AIDS vs HIV as well

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

An HIV-positive person receives an AIDS diagnosis after developing one of the CDC-defined AIDS indicator illnesses. An HIV-positive person can also receive an AIDS diagnosis on the basis of certain blood tests (CD4 counts) and may not have experienced any serious illnesses. A positive HIV test does not mean that a person has AIDS. A diagnosis of AIDS is made by a physician according to the CDC AIDS Case Definition.

Over time, infection with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) can weaken the immune system to the point that the system has difficulty fighting off certain infections. These types of infections are known as opportunistic infections. Many of the infections that cause problems or that can be life-threatening for people with AIDS are usually controlled by a healthy immune system. The immune system of a person with AIDS has weakened to the point that medical intervention may be necessary to prevent or treat serious illness.

[Kiki]

Thank you, Lani! That's a good one! Many people don't know the difference. Sad

[jase]

Thanks Kiki for doing this. This is awesome!