HIV & AIDS

AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which destroys a type of defense cell in the body called a CD4 helper lymphocyte (pronounced: lim-fuh-site). These lymphocytes are part of the body's immune system, the defense system that fights infectious diseases, but as HIV destroys these lymphocytes, people with the virus begin to get serious infections that they normally wouldn't — that is, they become immune deficient. The name for this condition is Acquired ImmunoDeficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which can cause AIDS, is not spread by contact such as touching, hugging, sneezing, coughing or kissing. It is spread through blood, semen and vaginal secretions. The only way to be absolutely safe from the AIDS virus is by not having sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal or oral) and not sharing needles and equipment to take street drugs

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The following individuals may be at increased risk of HIV infection:

• Men who have had sexual contact with other men
• Those who have sex for money or drugs
• Those who share needles and equipment to take street drugs
• Those with multiple sex partners
• Women who have had insemination with donor semen not tested for AIDS virus.
• Sexual partners of individuals with HIV antibody, AIDS, or hemophilia
• Anyone who received a blood transfusion or tissue transplant from 1978 through March of 1985
• Those with multiple episodes of sexually transmitted infection
• Those who have sex with anyone who is of increased risk (the above list)

The following individuals may also be considered for testing:

• Women considering becoming pregnant or planning to continue a pregnancy.
• Anyone requesting an antibody-screening test.

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Safer Sex Practices

Bear in mind your partner may not know if they have HIV or may not always share their drug or sexual history with you. For your own protection, it is best to practice “safer sex” with all partners.

Safe Activities:

• Massage
• Hugging
• Body to body rubbing
• Friendly kissing (dry)
• Touching your own genitals (masturbation)
• Hand-to-genital touching (hand job) or mutual masturbation provided neither partner has a break in the skin

At Risk Activities:

• Vaginal or anal intercourse using a latex condom
• Oral sex on a man (blow job) using latex condom
• Oral sex on a woman who does not have her menstrual period or a vaginal infection and abnormal discharge

Unsafe Activities:

• Vaginal or anal intercourse without a latex condom
• Oral sex on a man (blow job) without a latex condom
• Semen in the mouth
• Oral sex on a woman during the menstrual period or with a vagina infection and discharge
• Oral-anal contact or intercourse
• Sharing sex toys or douching equipment
• Blood contact of any kind, including menstrual blood

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Latex condoms, spermicides and other barriers are not 100% safe, because they may fail or can be used incorrectly, hopefully, with this information you can decide how best to take care of yourself. We provide quick, convenient and confidential HIV/AIDS testing.

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