What's the difference? | HIV Infection | AIDS | How diagnosed? | Who gets AIDS? | How is virus transmitted? | How does it get in bloodstream? | Protecting yourself from exposure | If someone close to you has HIV infection?
HIV infection and AIDS: What's the difference?
AIDS (which is an abbreviation for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV. HIV weakens the body's natural defenses making the person more susceptible to infections.
Most people have absolutely no symptoms for several months or even years after they are infected with HIV. Some people have a mild temporary illness early in the infection consisting of fatigue fever and swollen glands - much like mononucleosis. Later the person has repeated bouts of viral and fungal infections such as herpes and Candida (thrush or yeast infections).
AIDS occurs when an HIV-infected person becomes ill with an AIDS-defining condition such as Kaposi's sarcoma (a rare form of cancer) Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia widespread severe bacterial or fungal infections or brain disease.
How is HIV infection diagnosed?
A positive result on both of two blood tests (ELISA and Western blot) confirms infection with HIV.
Anyone - women men and children - can get the AIDS virus. It is not a "gay disease" or a "drug addict's disease." All it takes is being exposed one time! People are at greatest risk of getting the AIDS virus it (1) they or their sexual partner have sex with homosexual males bisexual males intravenous (IV) drug users male or female prostitutes or many different people; (2) they inject IV drugs and share "works" (e.g. needles syringes and cookers); (3) they have gotten other sexually transmitted diseases; or (4) they had a blood transfusion or were given blood products between 1978 and March 1985. Babies born to infected mothers can also have the AIDS virus.
How the AIDS virus is transmitted
There are only two ways of getting the AIDS virus: (1) by having direct sexual contact with someone who is already infected or (2) by getting infected blood into your bloodstream.
How can the AIDS virus get in your blood-stream?
This can occur by injecting IV drugs and sharing "works" (e.g. needles syringes and cookers) with someone who is infected by getting a blood transfusion or blood products that are infected with the AIDS virus by having body fluids from an infected person enter your body through a wound and through the mother's blood to the fetus during pregnancy.
You cannot get the AIDS virus through casual contact with an infected person. The virus is not spread through the air so you can't get it if an infected person coughs or sneezes. You can't get the virus by shaking hands hugging or kissing. And you can't get AIDS from a toilet seat or swimming pool or by sharing food with an infected person.
Protecting yourself from sexual exposure
Next to total abstinence the only protection against the AIDS virus is using condoms. Learn to use a condom correctly and use a condom every time. The AIDS virus can also be transmitted during oral sex so you must use a condom for all activity that involves penetration of any part of the body. Ask for information about correct use of condoms.
If someone close to you has HIV infection
Your friend or family member needs your help now more than any other time. Be supportive and try to keep a positive attitude. Encourage the per-son to seek professional counseling to help him or her cope. A good diet plenty of sleep and avoiding stress are important. If the person has a drug or alcohol problem encourage him or her to get help or quit.
You can be physically affectionate with an HIV-infected person without worrying about getting the virus yourself. Hugging stroking each other and dry kissing (avoid deep wet or "French" kissing) are safe. Do not share personal items that might carry small amounts of blood - things like tooth-brushes and razors.