AIDS is a disease that causes the body
to lose its natural protection against infection. A person with AIDS
is more likely to become ill from infections and unusual types of
pneumonia and cancer that healthy people normally can fight off. It
is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus. The virus, which is
found in the blood and other body fluids of infected individuals,
attacks certain white blood cells that protect the body against
illness. Currently, there is no vaccine or cure for AIDS.
does someone get HIV?
HIV is not easy to get. Both men and
women can become infected and can give the virus to someone else.
HIV is found in the blood, semen and vaginal secretions of infected
people and can be spread in the following ways:
HIV cannot be spread in the following
The most common modes of exposure to
Because HIV-infected people may look
and feel healthy, many are unaware they are infected and capable of
infecting others. Only an HIV antibody test can determine exposure
to the virus. Too often, people at greatest risk of HIV infection do
not know that their high-risk behaviors can result in HIV infection,
or they are reluctant or unable to change those high-risk behaviors.
An HIV antibody test, either from a
blood sample or an oral sample, can tell whether your body has been
infected with the virus. If it has, your immune system makes
proteins called antibodies. It takes most people up to 12 weeks
-- the "window period" -- to develop detectable antibodies but in
some cases may take as long as six months. If your test is positive
for HIV antibodies, it means you are infected and can infect others.
If the test is negative, it generally means you are not infected.
But, because the window period may be as long as six months, you
should be tested again if, in the six months prior to the test, you
engaged in behavior that could transmit the virus.
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is the test available?
Anonymous or confidential counseling
and testing services are available at many local health departments
and community agencies, including through some outreach testing
sites. A trained counselor will help you understand the test, your
results and how to protect your health whether you are infected or
not. For help locating a convenient test site, call toll-free 1
(800) 243-2437. You also can arrange to be tested by your personal
can infection with HIV be prevented?
To avoid infection through sex, the
only sure way is not to have anal, vaginal or oral sexual
intercourse or else to have sex only with someone who is not
infected and who has sex only with you. Using latex condoms
correctly every time you have vaginal, anal or oral sex can greatly
lower your risk of infection. Don't impair your judgment with drugs.
Never share needles or injection equipment to inject drugs or
steroids. HIV in blood from an infected person can remain in a
needle, syringe or other item and then be injected directly into the
bloodstream of the next user.
People who are infected with HIV can do
many things to live healthier and longer lives. First, they must
take care of themselves -- eat right, get plenty of exercise and
sleep, and avoid being exposed to airborne and food-borne pathogens.
There are also medications that slow
the growth of the virus and delay or prevent certain
life-threatening conditions. The Illinois Department of Public
Health provides FDA-approved prescription drugs through its AIDS
Drug Assistance Program for HIV-infected patients who meet specific
Since managing the personal, financial
and medical aspects of this disease can be daunting for many faced
with the challenge, HIV-infected people generally are offered case
management services through 10 HIV care consortia. Case managers
coordinate an effective system of care based on each client's
individual needs. The toll-free number for the program is 1 (800)
confidential information available?
Yes. To ask
questions about personal risk or to learn more about HIV or other
sexually transmitted diseases, call the free and anonymous line at 1
(800) 243-2437 or. The TTY number, for hearing-impaired use only, is
1 (800) 782-0423.
Department of Public Health