What You Should Know About HIV/AIDS

By Teresa Ambord

You've no doubt heard the term, HIV positive (human immunodeficiency virus). You know it's related to AIDS, but not necessarily as bad. Do you know why? Here's the difference: HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. Exposure to infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions can result in HIV infection. Also an infected pregnant woman can pass HIV on to her baby during pregnancy, delivery, or through breastfeeding. Most, though not all people with HIV infections will eventually develop AIDS.

If you think you've been exposed to HIV infection, how long should you wait to get tested?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that, if a person is infected, antibodies will be detectable within two to eight weeks, or an average of 25 days. While 97 percent of those infected will develop these antibodies within three months of the exposure, some may take up to six months.

What are the warning signs to watch for?

  • dry cough
  • rapid loss of weight
  • persistent diarrhea, lasting more than a week
  • recurring fever, night sweats
  • deep fatigue that cannot be explained
  • unusual spots on the tongue, mouth, or throat, possibly white in color
  • blotchy marks under the skin or inside the mouth, nose eyelids
  • depression, memory loss, or other brain dysfunction
  • pneumonia
  • swollen lymph glands in the neck, armpits, or groin

Before you panic, realize that just having any of these symptoms does not mean you are HIV infected, since any of them could be a symptom of other illnesses. The same is true for AIDS symptoms. The only way to know for sure if you have HIV or AIDS is to be specifically tested.

Where do you go for a test?

If you are interested in finding a place to be tested near you, click this website.

Many of the sites that will perform HIV tests for you will also, for a fee, supply you with a home test if you prefer it. Here's how the home test works:

  • A home test includes a blood collection system that allows you to prick your finger to obtain a blood sample. The sample, which amounts to dried blood spots, are then sent to a private company for testing. The entire process is anonymous, and identification is done through a personal identification number. You will be provided results over the phone.
  • Be aware that there are some kits available that have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. These tests allow you to process the blood spots yourself. They are quick and simple, but because they involve no scientific testing, they are not necessarily as reliable.

Incidence of HIV by ethnic group

Visit the CDC website below if you're interested in seeing how common HIV is in your ethnic group, or any group.

To browse through a list of frequently asked questions about HIV/ADIS, click here:

Got Questions?

If you have unanswered questions about HIV and AIDS and are reluctant to talk to a physician, log onto this website where you can ask specific questions of medical experts regarding HIV and AIDS.





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