HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus

• HIV attacks specific white blood cells (CD4⁺ T cells) in the immune system, which depresses the immune system (hence, "immunodeficiency") so that it cannot function properly 

AIDS - Acquired Immunodeficiency Symdrome

• AIDS is a symdrome, which means it is comprised of many factors, and is identified by a health care provider when a person living with HIV (who is "HIV positive") has at least one of the following:
  • A CD4⁺ T cell count of less than 200 cells/mm³ (normal is between 800 and 1200 cells/mm³) and/or
  • One of many AIDS-defining conditions, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in 1993.  Most of these conditions are "opportunistic pathogens," which means that they typcially do not affect those with healthy immune systems.  They have the opportunity to become pathogens in those with compromised immune systems, like people living with HIV.  For a list of the AIDS-defining conditions, please visit http://www.aidsinfo.nih.gov/ContentFiles/TestingPositive_FS_en.pdf

HIV is a virus spread by three main behaviors:

1. Unprotected sexual activity (oral, vaginal and anal sex)
2. Injection drug use (sharing needles or "works")
3. Vertical transmission (from mother to child either during the actual birthing process or breastfeeding)

HIV is spread through four main body fluids:

1. Blood
2. Semen
3. Vaginal Secretions
4. Breast Milk
5. Also: synovial joint fluid and brain and spinal fluid (most people do not come into contact with these three fluids)

"Window Period" - the time it takes for a person to produce detectable antibodies to HIV after transmitting HIV

• This can take up to six months after transmitting HIV
• Most people produce detectable antibodies within three months after infection
  • Some may take up to six months
  • We use a "6-month window period" for this reason
• This means:  if a person is within the 6-month window period, she/he could receive a negative HIV test result, but really be positive because their body has not produced detectable antibodies.  Therefore, it is advisable that the person comes back to get re-tested outside of the 6-month window period.

Useful websites for more information:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HIV/AIDS Prevention page - http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/
• American Social Health Association - www.ashastd.org
• Kaiser EDU (policy information) - http://www.kaiseredu.org/
• Kaiser Family Foundation (policy information and daily HIV/AIDS reports) - http://www.kff.org/
• The Body - www.theybody.com

Resource Hotlines:

• AIDS Info Health Specialist - (800) 448-0440
• CDC Info - (800) 232-4636
• CDC National Prevention Information - (800) 458-5231