HIV/AIDS

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks your body's immune system. Symptoms may not occur for years after infection. Though no symptoms may be present, HIV is constantly weakening your immune system. Eventually, opportunistic infections (such as pneumonia), as well as a variety of chronic diseases and cancers will be caused by the body's weakened ability to fight off disease. After a certain amount of opportunistic infections occur, a diagnosis of AIDS (Acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is given. HIV is carried in blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. It is spread through contact with any of these fluids-most often during vaginal and anal sex and needle sharing. There is no cure for HIV/AIDS. HIV can be managed with medications to delay the onset of AIDS. AIDS can only be managed through treating opportunistic infections, but to this day, has always resulted in death. Condoms provide excellent protection from this STI. HIV can be detected through blood or urine tests, as well as an oral swab.