What is HIV?

Understanding the Disease

What is HIV?

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a retrovirus responsible for causing AIDS. Once it gets into the body, HIV specifically targets certain cells of the immune system. These cells are the body’s defense to look out for and fight off infections. But HIV uses the energy and nutrients from these cells to grow and reproduce, weakening the immune system over time. Without healthy cells building a strong defense, the body becomes vulnerable to many infections and illnesses. That’s why understanding and managing HIV is so important for protecting your health.

HIV is like a slow but persistent invader, and AIDS is what happens when the invader has done significant damage to the immune system, making it much harder for the body to protect itself.

What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. It’s a serious condition where the body’s immune system breaks down and can’t fend off infections. These infections, known as “opportunistic infections,” and other illnesses take advantage of a weakened immune system.

When someone is infected with HIV, the virus enters their body and targets white blood cells, which are key to fighting off diseases. The hallmark of HIV infection is the gradual loss of a specific type of immune cell called T-helper, or CD4, cells. As HIV multiplies, it damages or kills these cells and others, weakening the immune system. This leaves the person vulnerable to various infections and illnesses, from pneumonia to cancer.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person is diagnosed with AIDS if they test positive for HIV and meet one or both of these criteria:

They have one or more AIDS-related infections or illnesses.
Their CD4 count, also known as the T-cell count, falls to 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood or lower.*

*For comparison, a healthy individual’s CD4 count ranges from 450 to 1200.

Understanding Transmission

How is HIV Spread?

If someone has HIV, the virus is present in certain bodily fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluid, rectal fluids, and breast milk. HIV can only be transmitted if these infected fluids get into another person’s bloodstream. This can happen in a few ways:

Through the linings of the vagina, rectum, mouth, or the opening at the tip of the penis.
Through intravenous injection with a syringe.
Through a break in the skin, like a cut or sore.

HIV is usually transmitted through a few key ways:

Unprotected Sexual Intercourse

Having vaginal or anal sex without a condom with someone who has HIV is the most common way the virus spreads. Women are at a higher risk through vaginal sex, but men can also be infected this way. Anal sex is especially risky for the receptive partner, regardless of gender, because the lining of the anus and rectum is thin and easily injured.

Unprotected Oral Sex

While it’s less common, HIV can be transmitted through oral sex, especially if ejaculation occurs in the mouth. The risk increases if either partner has cuts or sores in their mouth, which can provide an entry point for the virus.

Sharing Needles or Syringes

Sharing needles or syringes with someone who has HIV is a high-risk activity. The virus can survive in used syringes for over a month. This risk applies not just to illegal drugs but also to steroids and other substances injected with needles, including those used for tattoos and body piercings.

Mother-to-Infant Transmission

HIV can be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. Thankfully, in the U.S., routine testing and treatment for pregnant women have reduced this transmission to very few cases each year. Pregnant women who test positive for HIV can receive medications to protect their baby and are advised not to breastfeed.

Separating Fact from Fiction

How is HIV Not Transmitted?

When it comes to HIV, there are many misconceptions about how the virus is transmitted. The fact of the matter is that HIV is not an easy virus to pass from one person to another. It cannot be transmitted through food or air, meaning coughing or sneezing will not spread the virus.

Casual Contact is Safe

There has never been a recorded case of HIV being transmitted through casual, everyday contact. This includes interactions with household members, relatives, coworkers, or friends. Activities such as sharing eating utensils, using the same bathroom facilities, hugging, or kissing do not spread HIV. While scientists agree that transmission through deep or prolonged “French” kissing might be theoretically possible, it is considered extremely unlikely.

Blood Transfusions and Blood Donations

In the United States, rigorous screening of the blood supply has virtually eliminated the risk of HIV infection through blood transfusions. Additionally, you cannot contract HIV from donating blood at a blood bank or other established blood collection center.

Body Fluids and HIV

Although bodily fluids like sweat, tears, vomit, feces, and urine do contain HIV, there have been no reports of these fluids transmitting the virus. The only exceptions are two isolated cases involving transmission from fecal matter to cut skin.

Insect Bites Do Not Spread HIV

Another common myth is that mosquitoes, fleas, and other insects can transmit HIV. This is not true. HIV cannot be spread by insects, so there is no need to worry about bites or stings in this context.

Knowing Your Status

Why is HIV Testing Important?

HIV testing is a simple act that can have a profound impact on your life. Early detection of HIV allows for timely treatment, which can improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of transmission to others. Everyone between the ages of 13 and 64 should be tested for HIV at least once as part of their routine healthcare, and more frequently if at a higher risk. HCHC Care Management offers several convenient options to ensure you have access to vital HIV testing services.

Free On-Site Rapid Testing
At-Home Testing Kits
Community Testing Events

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Have Questions? Get In Touch!

For general inquiries, access to your private medical information, or scheduling needs contact us using the following methods.

What is HIV?

Understanding the Disease

What is HIV?

What is AIDS?

Understanding Transmission

How is HIV Spread?

HIV is usually transmitted through a few key ways:

Separating Fact from Fiction

How is HIV Not Transmitted?

Knowing Your Status

Why is HIV Testing Important?

Give us a call

Contact Us

Have Questions? Get In Touch!

Give us a call

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For New Patients

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