Introduction to hiv virus

Most of these conditions are opportunistic infections that generally do not affect healthy people. Among people with AIDS, these infections are often severe and sometimes fatal because their immune systems are so impaired by HIV they can no longer respond to certain bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, and other microbes.

HIV is spread by sexual contact with an infected person; by sharing needles or syringes primarily for drug injection with someone who is infected, or less commonly, and now very rarely in countries where blood is screened for HIV antibodies , through transfusions of infected blood or blood clotting factors. Babies born to women infected with HIV can become infected before or during birth or through breastfeeding after birth.

Because no vaccine for HIV is available, the only way to prevent infection by the virus is to avoid high-risk behaviors, such as sharing needles and having unprotected sex.

Many people infected with HIV have no symptoms. Patients should be advised to either abstain from having sex, or use male latex condoms or female polyurethane condoms, which can offer partial protection, during oral, anal, or vaginal sex. Only water-based lubricants should be used with male latex condoms.

Although some laboratory evidence shows that spermicides can kill HIV, researchers have not found that these products can prevent HIV infection. There are a number of approved drugs for treating HIV infection. Because HIV can become resistant to any of these drugs, a combination of drugs is used to suppress the virus.

Info Sheet: HIV This info sheet provides basic information about HIV. Other Resources. Get tailored information about your risk and learn how to protect yourself. Top of Page. More HIV Topics. Follow HIV. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.

Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Since breast-feeding can also cause transmission of HIV to the infant, HIV-infected mothers should not breast-feed their infants if there is an available alternative.

Many states also require testing of the infant at birth, so that appropriate treatment can be provided. Testing is voluntary and confidential Under most circumstances, HIV testing is voluntary. Unless there are special circumstances, most states require a person to give specific permission, called informed consent, before he or she can be tested for HIV.

Privacy and confidentiality are legitimate concerns for people who are being tested for HIV. Most people do not want other people or organizations , such as their employer, to know they are HIV-infected and most don't even want them to know that they are being tested. Most states have laws that protect the confidentiality of HIV testing and the diagnosis of infection.

While accidental disclosure of a person being HIV positive can occur, in my experience it is extremely rare. It's a mistake to avoid testing because of fear of accidental disclosure.

Also, there are other options including anonymous testing in a clinic or at home for example, Home AccessR , where you are identified by a number, not by name, and no one but you knows your number. HIV is usually diagnosed by a blood test , but newer tests can be done on saliva or urine. If you're squeamish about getting blood drawn, there are alternatives you can discuss with your doctor. Generally, the purpose of the test is to search for antibodies to the virus.

The antibody tests are very reliable, but may not be able to detect an infection during the first six months after an exposure. It used to take several days to a week to get test results back. Now there are rapid detection methods that allow reliable results in less than an hour. As a result, HIV testing can be completed while you are still in your doctor's office.

Pre-test and post-test counseling and education are important parts of HIV testing. Counseling gives people who test negative for HIV an opportunity to learn more about HIV and how to avoid becoming infected. For those who test positive for HIV, counseling gives them a chance to learn about the importance of being medically evaluated and, if appropriate, treated so as to prevent disease progression or OIs.

These counseling sessions take about 15 minutes, including time for questions. They are a very valuable part of the testing process, regardless of the test results. HIV disease is a chronic disease that used to be fatal for virtually everyone who got it.

Now, things have changed and effective treatments are available to treat HIV and, in most cases, these treatments can prevent HIV from doing further damage and can keep the person healthy. In order to take advantage of these treatments, you must be tested and diagnosed with HIV. All persons who may have been infected with HIV and virtually all pregnant women should be tested as soon as possible.