Health Information

What is HIV?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). HIV damages the immune system, eventually destroying the body's ability to fight off infections and cancers. About half of those with HIV develop AIDS within 10 years of becoming infected.

How is HIV spread?

HIV is spread from one person to another by getting into the blood. The main ways people become infected with HIV are:

having unprotected sex with someone who has the virus.
sharing needles or syringes with someone who has the virus.
from infected mother to baby, during pregnancy, birth, or in breast feeding

The virus is NOT spread from person to person by casual, every-day contact. It is not spread in the air.

What are the symptoms of HIV infection?

A few weeks after infection, people with HIV may develop flu-like symptoms. Others may not notice any symptoms. Severe symptoms, coming much later and lasting for a long time, might be fever, swollen glands, extreme tiredness, and night sweats.
However, most people with HIV do no know they have it. They may look and feel healthy, yet infect others. HIV can be active inside your body for years before it starts to create problems.

How can I tell if I have HIV?

The only way to tell if you have HIV is by taking an HIV test. Call the Indiana HIV/STD Hotline for additional information or counseling/testing locations.

Who is at risk for getting HIV?

You are at risk for HIV if you:

Share needles and syringes
Have unprotected sex with anyone who injects drugs
Have unprotected sex with men who have sex with other men
Have other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Have unprotected sex with men or women

How is HIV treated?

New treatments, including protease inhibitors, offer great hope for treating HIV disease. Persons who find out early they are infected are better able to combat HIV disease.

How can I protect myself from getting HIV?

The best way to protect yourself from HIV is to avoid coming into contact with another person's blood, semen vaginal fluids, or breast milk. Other ways to reduce your risk are:

Avoid the use of drugs and alcohol
Follow the "safer sex" practices of having only one sex partner and
using latex condoms or other barriers
Use clean needles if you do inject drugs
Encourage friends to follow these practices