Updated May 17, 2014.

Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome, more commonly know as HIV is a virus that, if left untreated, slowly damages the body's immune system. Without a strong, healthy immune system, the body is susceptible to many infections and illnesses. If a person living with HIV becomes sick with one of the more serious types of these opportunistic infections, they are said to have Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome or AIDS.

While there is no cure for HIV or AIDS, people are living long productive lives, thanks to HIV medicines and aggressive treatment programs.
What Are the AIDS Defining Illnesses?

How HIV is Transmitted

Contrary to public perception, you can't get HIV infected by drinking from a water fountain, sitting on a toilet seat, hugging or touching an HIV infected person, or by eating off plates and utensils. The following are ways HIV can be transmitted from one person to another:

• By way of bodily fluids (blood, semen, and vaginal secretions) during sexual contact. Saliva is not considered a transmission route for HIV.
• By sharing needles to inject drugs. Infected blood can be exchanged between the parties who are using the same needle and syringe.
• By accidental needle sticks in the health care industry(needles contaminated with HIV infected blood).
• Through the transfusion of infected blood or blood products (because of new and improved blood screening tools since 1992, this transmission route is no longer a concern).

• HIV infected woman can pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy, during delivery, or while breast feeding.

How is HIV Spread From Person to Person?

The HIV Risks of Breastfeeding

Preventing HIV Spread from Mother to Child

HIV Signs and Symptoms

Often people who are newly HIV infected have few or no symptoms. Other times, symptoms of HIV are confused with other illnesses such as the flu. If a person were to have symptoms they would include:

• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin or under the arms
• Diarrhea
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever, chills or sweats (especially at night)
• Visual changes
• Frequent pneumonias or shortness of breath
• Rash
• Flu-like symptoms

The Symptoms of HIV

How to Prevent HIV Infection

• Speak openly with partners about safer sex techniques and HIV status.
• If you don't know your status, get an HIV test to protect yourself and others.
• Get tested with your partner as a way of saying "you care and want both of you to stay healthy."
• Use a latex condom with each oral, anal or vaginal sexual encounter. Those with latex allergies should use latex-free condoms.
• Do not share needles or syringes if you inject drugs. If you do inject drugs, seek professional help to kick your habit.
• HIV infected pregnant women should get into regular prenatal care.
• HIV infected women should not breast feed.

HIV Prevention Resources