HIV Attacks the Body’s Ability to Defend Itself.

A virus in general is a small “germ” that enters the body and can make one ill. In the case of HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) it attacks the immune system’s T-cells, also known as the CD-4 cells which combat infections in the body. These cells recognize bacteria and foreign viruses and make helpers to fight foreign germs. If HIV is left untreated a large number of these immune cells can be killed by the virus, preventing the body from fighting off diseases and opportunistic infections.

Someone with HIV can infect others, even if he or she does not feel or look sick. It is NOT possible to tell by looking at someone whether or not they are infected with HIV, as they may appear healthy. An HIV test is the only way to be sure if a person is infected.

The progression of HIV’s damaging effects on the immune system can lead to AIDS – the last stage of HIV infection; a disease in which the body’s immune system is weakened. Once the immune system is weakened, there is the potential to develop a variety of life-threatening illnesses. In many cases, people who are HIV-infected, with proper treatment and care, never develop AIDS.

Although successful preventative medicine has begun to emerge, currently, there is no cure for HIV infection. However, proper medical treatment can control HIV, keeping viral loads suppressed and CD-4 counts higher. Antiretroviral therapies (ART) are daily prescription medications used to preserve the health of infected individuals, decrease the chance of transmission, combat the virus, and prevent progression into AIDS. Prompt medical care is advised if a person receives a positive diagnosis. Currently, there are various treatments available, which can slow or halt the progression of HIV infection. Anti-retroviral medications can help control HIV infection by raising the CD-4 count and lowering the viral load.

If left untreated, an HIV infection can progress, overwhelming the immune system.

Three Stages of HIV Infection:

• Stage 1: Acute HIV infection

• Stage 2: Clinical Latency

• Stage 3: AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) 

Disclosure Of HIV

• Disclosure (of YOUR) positive HIV status is at YOUR discretion.

• You do not have to disclose to your employer.

• However, you MUST disclose to someone with whom you are consenting to have sexual activities.

• You can NOT disclose someone else’s status.

HIV is a virus that infects the body, attacking the immune system (which defends against germs and diseases), and spreads through certain bodily fluids. 

Prevention Strategies

• Avoid high-risk behaviors.

• Refrain from having unprotected sex.  

• Use a latex condom properly when engaging in sexual activity (vaginal, anal, and oral sex.). Condoms are barriers that can help protect from Sexually Transmitted Infections (like syphilis and HIV).

• In addition to using condoms, if you are having sex or sharing needles with someone who is HIV positive, you can take PrEP(Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), a medication that is highly successful in preventing the transmission of the virus to uninfected individuals.