HIV
Testing Available Same Day
Human
immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, is the virus that
causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
The virus weakens a person's ability to fight infections
and cancer.
How
Do People Get HIV?
According to the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention, in the U.S. the estimated number of
people with HIV/AIDS is about 1,185,000 with approximately
25% of them unaware of their infection. A person
gets HIV when an infected person's body fluids (blood,
semen, fluids from the vagina or breast milk) enter
his or her bloodstream. The virus can enter the
blood through linings in the mouth, anus, vagina,
penis or through broken skin.
Both
men and women can spread HIV. A person with HIV
can feel okay and still give the virus to others.
Pregnant women with HIV also can give the virus
to their babies.
Who
Can Get HIV?
Anyone can get HIV if they engage in certain activities.
You may have a higher risk of getting HIV if you: