Often times in conversations, we hear the terms ‘HIV’ and ‘AIDS’ used interchangeably. However, one causes the other, and while it is possible to live a natural life with HIV, once a person develops AIDS, he or she is more likely to die from related complications.
As we commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1st, let’s take a minute to learn or refresh our knowledge of HIV/AIDS basics and share that information with our loved ones. We all have a part to play in acting against AIDS by raising awareness, promoting prevention, eliminating the stigma, dispelling myths, and correcting misperceptions.
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and it is the virus that causes AIDS. Although there is no cure for HIV, people living with HIV (PLWH) who are under treatment live longer, healthy lives and may never develop AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, and is a serious, and often, fatal disease that progresses over a course of 5 to 10 yearsand leads to death. This occurs among people who are infected with HIV and aren’t under treatment, either because they are unaware of their infection or refuse treatment.
How Is HIV Transmitted?
HIV can be found in certain body fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Therefore, transmission can occur through sexual intercourse, the sharing of needles, pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
What is the Best Way to Reduce or Eliminate Your Risk of HIV?
The best way to reduce your risk of HIV is to be abstinent or be involved in a monogamous relationship where both partners get tested and know their status, practice safe sex, and avoid sharing needles.
What is the Best Way to Prevent the Spread of HIV?
The best way to prevent the spread of HIV is to get tested. Visit www.hivtest.org or text your five-digit ZIP code to KNOWIT (566948) to find your closest testing location.
NHCOA is a proud partner of the CDC’s Act Against AIDS Leadership Initiative (AAALI), an effort to reduce the incidence of HIV/AIDS among diverse communities. For more information, visit www.actagainstaids.org. To learn more about World AIDS Day, visit http://aids.gov/world-aids-day/. To view and download material from NHCOA’s World AIDS
