HIV Testing Is Your Key to Awareness, Reassurance, Health, December 2014

(2014) HIV Testing Is Your Key to Awareness, Reassurance, Health, December 2014. Public Health, Department of (Health and Human Services, Department of)

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Abstract

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Over time, most people infected with HIV become less able to fight off life-threatening infections and cancers. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the late stage of HIV disease. HIV is found in blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk of an infected person. Having sex without a condom or sharing needles or other equipment used to inject drugs can place one at higher risk for being infected with HIV. HIV is NOT spread by casual contact like sneezing, coughing, eating or drinking from shared utensils, shaking hands, or hugging. Saliva is not one of the four fluids through which HIV is transmitted. In addition, insects do not transmit HIV.