|  What Is HIV & AIDS?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that leads to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). AIDS is a condition that results from HIV infection. Once infected, the virus attacks a person’s immune system eventually causing the body to become weak and unable to fight off other infections.
Risk of HIV infection depends on whether certain body fluids are present. HIV can be transmitted from an infected person by four body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal secretions, or breast milk. Unprotected sex or sharing syringes (needles) with an infected person are two of the most common ways to help in the spread of HIV.
| What are some of the common symptoms? |
- Persistent tiredness (fatigue)
- Mouth sores-white patches in the mouth
- Unexplained fevers
- Dry cough
- Recurring night sweats
- Loss of appetite
- Prolonged enlargement of the lymph nodes (glands)
- Sores on your genitals
- Weight loss
- Diarrhea
- Persistent sore throat
- Change in vision
- Skin conditions such as rashes and shingles
- Yeast infections
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- Abstinence until in a committed monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.
- Use a latex barrier every time when having sex (anal, oral or vaginal).
- No high-risk behaviors.
- Remove alcohol and drugs from sexual activity.
- Know HIV serostatus.
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For more information on HIV/AIDS contact the Centers for Disease Control
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