HIV & AIDS
The virus that causes AIDS is called human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Having HIV infection is not the same as having AIDS. HIV causes a spectrum of conditions and symptoms. AIDS is the severe, life-threatening syndrome that HIV can cause. Most people infected with HIV seem healthy, and many do not realize they have been infected until they become sick. Without early treatment, most individuals will develop serious symptoms that could eventual lead to death.
HIV mainly attacks the white blood cells that manage the operation of the immune system. Eventually, the virus will disable the immune system, rendering an individual vulnerable to a number of life threatening illnesses.
Most individuals during the early stages of HIV do not experience any type of symptoms. If and when symptoms do develop, they are usually similar to that of the flu. The only difference between these two symptoms that last longer and are more severe with someone who has HIV. Such symptoms as prolonged tiredness, unexplained fevers, recurring night sweats, prolonged enlargement of the lymph nodes (glands), and weight loss are a few examples.
An individual with HIV is considered to have progressed to AIDS when CD4(positive) T-lymphocyte counts of less than 200 cells / µL and/or presence of one or more CDC-defined complications including certain opportunistic infections, unusual tumors (Kaposis sarcoma, aggressive lymphoma, or invasive cervial cancer), dementia, and progrssive weight loss.
HIV can only be transmitted by sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, or oral), direct exposure to infected blood, by an infected mother to her fetus during pregnancy, and through breastfeeding.
SEXUAL INTERCOUSE: Vaginal, anal and oral. There is NO risk of catching HIV through causal contact like kissing, touching, stroking, and massaging.
INFECTED BLOOD: You are at risk of contracting HIV through needle sharing, blood and blood product transfusions, and possibly through occupational transmission.
MOTHER TO INFANT: Women who have HIV infection can transmit the virus to their unborn fetus and their babies via breast milk.
Websites for more information
Triad Health Project
Triad Health Project (THP) provides emotional and practical support to individuals living with HIV/AIDS, to their loved ones, and to those at risk for HIV/AIDS
http://www.triadhealthproject.com/
HIV/AIDS FACT SHEET
Provided by the Center for Disease Control.
http://www.cdc.gov/
The Body
The most Comprehensive HIV/AIDS resource on the internet.
http://www.thebody.com/index.shtml
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Anna M. Gove Student Health Center, 107 Gray Drive 27412
Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
VOICE 336.334.5340
FAX 336.334.5343