Questions & Answers about HIV and AIDS
Source: www.metrokc.gov
Topic: Hiv/Aids
Download: Click here!
Sort Desciption: WHAT IS HIV? WHAT IS AIDS? HOW IS HIV TRANSMITTED? HIV IS SPREAD IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS: UNPROTECTED ANAL, VAGINAL OR ORAL SEX.
Content Inside:
Q. WHAT IS HIV? A. Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV kills specific white blood cells (T cells), which are an important part of our immune systems. Without treatment, HIV gradually destroys the bodys defenses against disease (it takes an average of 8-10 years), leaving it vulnerable to many infections and cancers. But treatment with antiretroviral drugs can slow or stop the harmful effects of retroviruses like HIV, so that many people with HIV are living longer, healthier lives. Q. WHAT IS AIDS? A. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a medical condition resulting from HIV infection, usually after many years. By the time a person is given an AIDS diagnosis by a doctor, HIV has seriously damaged the bodys immune system. There are effective treatments to prevent, as well as treat, these serious illnesses. Q. HOW IS HIV TRANSMITTED? A. HIV can be transmitted when blood, semen (including pre-seminal fluid or pre-cum), vaginal fluids, or breast milk from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person. HIV must get into the bloodstream or body in order to cause infection. Transmission most often occurs during unprotected sex or during injection drug use when equipment is shared. An infected woman who becomes pregnant can transmit HIV to her baby during pregnancy or during birth, but this risk is significantly less if the woman takes antiretroviral drugs. She can also pass HIV to her newborn if she breastfeeds. Anyone infected with HIV can transmit it, whether or not they appear sick, have an AIDS diagnosis, or are successfully treating their infection with antiretroviral drugs. HIV IS SPREAD IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS: UNPROTECTED ANAL, VAGINAL OR ORAL SEX. HIV can enter the body during sex through the anus, vagina, opening at the end of the penis or mouth and through cuts, sores and abrasions on the skin. Unprotected anal and vaginal ...
no comment
Submit a comment:
Related PDF Files:


