So Then, What Is AIDS?

AIDS is caused by a virus called the human immundodeficiency virus, or HIV. A virus is one of the smallest "germs" that can cause disease.

If you have unprotected sex (sexual intercourse without consistent and correct condom use) or share needles or syringes with an infected person, you may become infected with HIV. Specific blood test can show evidence of HIV infection. You can be infected with HIV and have no symptoms at all. You might feel perfectly healthy, but if you're infected, you can pass the virus to anyone with whom you have unprotected sex or share needles or syringes.

Will You Get AIDS If You Are Infected With HIV?
About half of the people infected with HIV develop AIDS within 10 years, but the time between infection with HIV and the onset of AIDS can vary greatly. The severity of the HIV-related illness or illnesses will differ from person to person, according to many factors, including the overall health of the individual.

Today there are promising medical treatments that can postpone many of the illnesses associated with AIDS. This is a step in the right direction, and scientists are becoming optimistic that HIV infection will someday be controllable. In the meantime, people who get medical care to monitor and treat their HIV infection can carry on with their lives, including their jobs, for longer than ever before.

How Can You Become Infected With HIV?
You can become infected with HIV in two main ways:
· Having unprotected sexual intercourse-anal, vaginal, or oral-with an infected person.
· Sharing drug needles or syringes with an infected person.

Also, women infected with HIV can pass the virus to their babies during pregnancy or during birth. They can also pass it on when breast-feeding. Some people have become infected by receiving blood transfusions. Since 1985, however, when careful screening and laboratory testing of all blood donations began, this possibility has been greatly reduced.

You cannot be infected by giving blood at a blood bank.

1-800-299-AIDS
Texas AIDS Hotline
( 800 ) 299 - 2437