Know HIV/AIDS
/ what is HIV?
/ what is AIDS?
/ what is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
/ how does someone get HIV?
/ what are ways to reduce the risk of HIV or other STD transmission?
/ is there a cure or vaccine for HIV/AIDS?
/ is there a link between HIV and other STDs?

What is HIV?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. HIV harms the body's immune system by attacking certain cells, known as helper T cells or CD4 cells, which defend the body against illness.
 

What is AIDS?
AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, occurs when an individual's immune system is weakened by HIV to such an extent that the individual develops one or more of about 25 "opportunistic infections" (OIs), conditions that take advantage of a weakened immune system. When this happens, a person who is HIV positive is considered to have developed AIDS, or to have an "AIDS diagnosis". They are also considered to have an AIDS diagnosis when their CD4 cell count (a special type of white blood cells that fight infection) falls below a certain level and/or the amount of virus in their body rises above a certain level. 

What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, the most advanced stage of HIV disease. A weakened immune system caused by HIV will allow opportunistic infections (OIs) to develop. A healthy immune system would normally fight these infections, while an HIV-weakened immune system is susceptible to them. 

How does someone get HIV?
Worldwide and in the United States, most people become infected with HIV through unprotected sex, including vaginal, anal and oral sex, and through injection drug use. Certain body fluids including blood, pre-ejaculation, semen, and vaginal secretions, can spread HIV. An HIV infected woman can pass HIV to her baby through pregnancy, labor, or delivery, as well as through breast milk. HIV cannot be spread by casual contact such as hugging or shaking hands. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), contact with saliva, tears, or sweat has never resulted in HIV transmission.

What are ways to reduce the risk of getting HIV?

Choose not to have sex, or make an agreement with a partner who is HIV-negative to be sexually faithful to each other, and stick to it. If you or your partner is HIV-positive, talk with your health care provider about how to reduce your risk, including using latex condoms or dental dams. Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In addition, correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Always use a condom for vaginal or anal sex, and barrier methods, such as a condom or dental dam, for oral sex.
If you are HIV-positive and are pregnant, see your health care provider to get appropriate treatment. Treatments are available to significantly reduce the risk of passing HIV to your child during pregnancy and delivery.
Do not share needles or syringes for any kind of injection drug use. Ask partners to do the same
Is there a cure or vaccine for HIV/AIDS?
No. At this time there is no cure for HIV and no vaccine to prevent someone from becoming infected with HIV. However, there are highly effective medications ("antiretrovirals") available that have enabled many people with HIV disease to live longer and healthier lives, and have delayed the onset of AIDS. .
Is there a link between HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?
Yes. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with STDs may be more likely to contract HIV. STDs, such as herpes, that can cause open sores are especially risky; however, STDs that do not cause open sores also pose a threat. In addition, if someone with HIV is also infected with another STD, that person is more likely than other people who are infected with HIV to transmit the virus through sexual contact.
Is there a link between HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)?

We are in the third decade of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. More than 65 million people worldwide have become infected, including over 25 million who have already died. Globally, about half of those newly infected each year are under the age of 25. The HIV/AIDS epidemic is on track to be one of the worst epidemics in human history and, millions more people could become infected by the end of this decade alone, if more is not done. But HIV is preventable.

HIV/AIDS in the U.S.

Check out up-to-date information on the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States

Key Trends and Current Cases:

AIDS cases have been reported in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and all U.S. territories.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 4 Americans with HIV do not know they are infected.  
More than 550,000 Americans with AIDS have already died and over 1 million Americans are currently living with HIV/AIDS.
There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. The number of new infections occurring annually in the U.S. has not decreased in the last decade, remaining constant at approximately 40,000 new HIV infections each year. However, recent analyses suggest a potential rise in occurrence among some populations.
Advances in treatment have dramatically decreased the number of people who have died of AIDS since the peak in the mid-1990's. However, the number of deaths among people with AIDS has remained relatively steady in recent years.

Impact of HIV/AIDS on Young People:

Most young people are infected through sex.
Young people, especially young women and people of color, have been particularly affected by the epidemic. Young Black Americans represented 73% of AIDS cases reported among 13-19 years olds in 2004; Latino teens represented 14%.
Impact of HIV/AIDS on People of Color:

Check out up-to-date information on people of color and HIV/AIDS here.

People of color now represent the majority of new HIV infections, new AIDS cases, and people living with AIDS in the U.S.

Although Black Americans represent 12% of the U.S. population, they account for 50% of new AIDS diagnoses; Latinos represent 14% of the population, and 19% of AIDS diagnoses.
Studies have shown that survival after an AIDS diagnosis is lower among Black Americans than other racial/ethnic groups.
Impact of HIV/AIDS on Women:

Check out up to date information on women and HIV/AIDS here.

Women account for a growing share of new AIDS diagnoses, rising from 8 percent in 1985 to 27% of new in 2005.

Women of color are particularly affected by HIV/AIDS.

Black-American women account for 67% of new AIDS cases among women and Latinas account for 16%.
Impact of HIV/AIDS on Men Who Have Sex with Men (MSM):

Men who have sex with men accounted for 43% of all new AIDS diagnoses in 2005 in the U.S. and 58% of new AIDS diagnoses among men that same year.

Younger MSM and MSM of color are at particularly high risk. CDC studies have found high HIV incidence and prevalence among MSM in some cities, particularly among Black American and Latino MSM, and low levels of awareness of infection status among those already infected with HIV.

MSM of color now account for the majority of new AIDS cases reported among MSM.

The Global HIV/AIDS Epidemic

Check out up to date information on the global HIV/AIDS epidemic here.

Overview of the Global HIV/AIDS Epidemic:
The global HIV/AIDS epidemic has claimed more than 25 million lives. Over 39 million people are estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS worldwide. HIV is now the leading cause of death worldwide among 15 to 59 year olds. Sub-Saharan Africa has been especially hard hit: the region accounts for almost two-thirds of people living with HIV/AIDS and more than 7 in 10 HIV-related deaths and most of the countries in the region have the highest HIV/AIDS prevalence rates in the world. Other parts of the world, including parts of Asia and Eastern Europe, are also of concern, with particular attention being paid to Russia, China, and India. India has the highest number of people estimated to be living with HIV/AIDS in the world (5.7 million).

Impact of HIV/AIDS on Women, Children, & Young People:

More women than ever before are living with HIV/AIDS and women now account for almost half (48%) of all adults living with HIV/AIDS .

In sub-Saharan Africa, women represent more than half (59%) of adults living with HIV/AIDS.

Young people under the age of 25 account for about half of all new HIV infections. 
Teens and young adults, between the ages of 15-24 account for 40% of new HIV infections among adults.
Get Tested
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1 in 4 Americans with HIV do not know they are infected. You may be nervous about getting tested, especially the first time. This is understandable, but think about this: The tests don't take much time, and at some clinics they are free or can be paid for on a sliding scale based on your income. There are several kinds of HIV tests available in the U.S., including rapid tests, which can provide results in as little as 20 minutes.

It is important to know your status. If you are HIV-negative, the surest way to avoid transmission of HIV is to abstain from sexual intercourse. But, if you are sexually active, you should practice safer sex with latex condoms and/or dental dams.

If you are HIV-positive you should talk to your sexual partners and talk with your health care provider about how to reduce your risk, including using latex condoms or dental dams.  Also, if you are HIV positive, it is very important to get connected to a health care provider who is knowledgeable about treating HIV disease. Left untreated, HIV can cause serious health problems. And, advances in the treatment of HIV/AIDS are occurring all the time -- new medications are allowing people to live longer and healthier lives. A positive test result is not a death sentence, but it is best to know what the result is. Knowledge is critical.
Protect yourself
Choose not to have sex, or make an agreement with a partner who is HIV-negative to be sexually faithful to each other, and stick to it.
If you or your partner is HIV-positive, talk with your health care provider about how to reduce your risk, including using latex condoms or dental dams. Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In addition, correct and consistent use of latex condoms can reduce the risk of other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).   
Always use a condom for vaginal or anal sex, and barrier methods, such as a condom or dental dam, for oral sex.

If you are HIV-positive and are pregnant, see your health care provider to get appropriate treatment. Treatments are available to significantly reduce the risk of passing HIV to your child during pregnancy and delivery.

Do not share needles or syringes for any kind of injection drug use.