The only way to determine whether you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection. You can’t rely on symptoms to know whether or not you are infected with HIV. Many people who are infected with HIV don’t have any symptoms at all for many years. Similarly, you can’t rely on symptoms to establish […]
How many people have HIV and AIDS?
Worldwide: UNAIDS estimates that as of December 2000, there were an estimated 36.1 million people living with HIV/AIDS (34.7 million adults and 1.4 million children under 15). Since the epidemic began, an estimated 21.8 million people have died of AIDS (17.5 million adults and 4.3 million children under 15). An estimated 5.3 million new HIV […]
Where did HIV come from?
The most recent presentation on the origin of HIV was presented at the 6th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunitistic Infections (Chicago, January 1999). At that conference, research was presented that suggested that HIV had “crossed over” into the human population from a particular species of chimpanzee, probably through blood contact that occurred during hunting and […]
What's the connection between HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases?
Having a sexually transmitted disease (STD) can increase a person’s risk of becoming infected with HIV, whether or not that STD causes lesions or breaks in the skin. If the STD infection causes irritation of the skin, breaks or sores may make it easier for HIV to enter the body during sexual contact. Even an […]
How long does it take for HIV to cause AIDS?
Currently, the average time between HIV infection and the appearance of signs that could lead to an AIDS diagnosis is 8-11 years. This time varies greatly from person to person and can depend on many factors including a person’s health status and behaviors. Today there are medical treatments that can slow down the rate at […]
What is the Difference Between HIV and AIDS?
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. H – Human: because this virus can only infect human beings. I – Immuno-deficiency: because the effect of the virus is to create a deficiency, a failure to work properly, within the body’s immune system. V – Virus: because this organism is a virus, which means one of […]
What is AIDS? What causes AIDS?
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 […]
Comprehensive Guide to HIV Testing
Quick Start: Find a Testing Location Near You What is HIV Antibody Testing? Why Should I Be Tested? – The Benefits of Knowing How Is HIV Spread? Who Should Be Tested? When Should I Be Tested? What About My Privacy? Confidential or Anonymous. Where Can I Get Tested? I’ve Taken the Test. What Happens Now? […]
HIV Virus May Hide in Brain
That’s the finding of Swedish researchers who analyzed samples from about 70 HIV-infected patients who’d been taking anti-HIV drugs. The tests showed that about 10 percent of the patients — a larger proportion than expected — had traces of HIV in their spinal fluid but not in their blood.
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