Contact Patty Puline or call 814-451-6543 or browse the Erie County Dept of Health website for more info.

HIV is not a gift

by Patty Puline Erie County Dept. of Health

"I gave my lover everything, including HIV. I didn't mean to. We made a mistake. Maybe deep down we felt it would be better if we both had it. …'HIV is not a gift.'" -

—Gay City Health Project

Want ad in POZ Magazine: "POZ 4 POZ - Looking to meet other poz men who are slightly older (30 - 45) and mature. If you're neg, not into the drug scene, … and I find you attractive...no worries, I don't discriminate! if I'm interested I will get back to you. Please, no bug chasers, and boyz...in my opinion a Mercedes is a gift...HIV is not a gift! I'm gonna choose to be selfish and keep my virus all to myself, thanks."

— Anonymous, Aspen, Colorado

People need to know the actual risk of HIV, and the difference between what is safe or unsafe. They need to assess their own personal risk. Most people do not know if a sex partner could be HIV positive! Correct and up to date HIV information needs to be shared between partners. Review these definitions and share the information.

What is AIDS? What causes AIDS?

AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome and is a condition in which the bodys immune system becomes so deficient, or damaged, that it can no longer defend the body against viruses or bacteria that can cause disease. People with AIDS die of illnesses that normally do not threaten people whose immune systems are complete and strong. (Opportunistic Infections)

Scientists have learned that HIV _ Human Immunodeficiency Virus, causes AIDS. This virus has the ability to enter certain cells of the immune system, disable them, and use them to make more HIV. These cells are called T-cells. They are key cells of the immune system that fight off infections. .

People who are infected with HIV usually do not have recognizable symptoms for several years, even as many as ten or more years. Nevertheless, the virus is at work in the body fluids, destroying T-cells and making more copies of itself.

Many people have been infected with HIV and don't know it, and they can infect others without knowing it. HIV is transmitted through blood, seminal fluid, vaginal secretions and breast milk. Everyday casual contact cannot transmit HIV.

Most common methods of transmission include:

• Anal or vaginal sex (without using condoms).
• Sharing drug-injecting equipment, including needles and works.
• Sharing body piercing or tattooing needles.

For sexually active people, using condoms and plenty of lube when giving or receiving anal or vaginal sex best prevents HIV infection. If you have cuts or sores in your mouth or if you've had recent dental work, use a condom when giving oral sex or avoid oral sex altogether. HIV can be transmitted even before HIV antibodies appear in the bloodstream, which may take from three to six months.

Testing

Oral antibody testing (ORASURE) is available for HIV and is the most common test used by health professionals right now. Follow up confirmatory tests include the ELISA or the WESTERN BLOT (both blood draws).

Antibodies may take from three to six months to develop, so repeat testing may be necessary. Results may take up to two weeks. Face to face follow up is done with each person who is tested for HIV.

Remember, viruses are incurable. There is no cure and no vaccine for HIV. Education is the key to prevention. HIV counseling and testing is available through the Erie County Dept of Health. You can browse our website for HIV information, www.ecdh.org, or you may call 451-6700 to schedule an appointment. We also have street outreach counselors who offer HIV testing on a personal basis, scheduled at your convenience. All HIV services are confidential.

National HIV Testing Day

"Take the Test, Take Control" is the slogan for National HIV Testing Day, which is held annually on June 27^th. Remember that HIV testing is available at the Erie County Dept of Health on a regular basis. Take the test, take control!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Patty Puline, Erie County Dept of Health, HIV/AIDS Education & Training, (814) 451-6543, or visit our website @ www.ecdh.org

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