Frequently Asked Questions About HIV and AIDS

What do HIV and AIDS stand for?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is the virus that attacks the body's immune system and over time, people become less able to fight off illness and diseases. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; AIDS is the last stage of HIV disease. Doctors make an AIDS diagnosis based on a set of symptoms and conditions identified by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

How is HIV transmitted?

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus or HIV is spread by direct contact with infected body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk. This means that the HIV contained in one of these body fluids must get into the bloodstream by direct entry into a vein, a break in the skin, or through the mucous linings (such as the eyes, mouth, nose, vagina, rectum or penis). Other body fluids such as urine, saliva, vomit, etc. do not pose a risk unless visible blood is present. (See Risk Reduction below)

Is it possible to get HIV from...	YES	NO
Mosquitoes		X
Toilet Seats		X
Getting sneezed on		X
Sharing a Glass or Fork		X
Sharing Needles	X
Drinking Alcohol	X
Kissing or Hugging		X
Fighting	X
First Aid	X
HIV+ Mother to her child	X
Swimming in a public pool		X
Casual Contact		X
Having Sex	X

How can I reduce my risk of getting HIV?

There are many ways to reduce your risk of contracting HIV. The basic rules dictate that you avoid swapping bodily fluids; blood, secretions (anal and vaginal), and semen. You should also avoid behaviors that make you more prone to take risks such as drug and alcohol use (especially using needles).

Type of Risk	Reduces Risk	No Effect	Increases Risk
Anal, Vaginal, Oral Sex	Sexual Abstinence- Sexual Abstinence means not having sex of any kind: - anal, vaginal or oral. If an individual wants to entirely eliminate the possibility of transmission of HIV, abstinence from drugs and alcohol, as well as sex is an effective way to protect yourself from HIV. You can go back to being sexually abstinent at any time. Masturbation- Masturbation involves self-satisfaction and does not involve the exchange of the body fluids that transmit HIV ie. blood, semen, and vaginal secretions. There is no risk of HIV transmission. Mutual Masturbation Mutual masturbation involves satisfying your partner without penetration and without the exchange of the body fluids that transmit HIV. There is an extremely low risk of HIV transmission, with the risk occurring only if there are open cuts or sores in the skin and then those areas exposed to the body fluids that transmit HIV. Male OR Female Condom- Use of a male condom or a female condom during sex can reduce the risk of HIV infection because it reduces the chance of getting semen, blood and vaginal secretions (fluids known to carry the virus) into the body. If used consistently and correctly every time you have anal, vaginal, or oral sex condoms are 97-99% effective. Consistent means using a condom with each and every act of intercourse. Correct use includes using a water-based lubricant such as glycerin or lubricating jellies on the outside of a latex condom to prevent breakage. Oil based lubricants such as petroleum jelly, cold creams, hand lotions or baby oil can weaken latex condoms, causing them to break. Some condoms are pre-lubricated; others are not. Condoms should be stored in a cool, dry area to prevent heat/cold from breaking down the latex. The male and female condom should NOT be used together; you should use only one condom (either male or female) at a time. Condoms can be found in most drug stores, some community health centers, some grocery stores, and some AIDS service organizations, including the AIDS Council. Mutually Monogamous relationships (one partner only)- A mutually monogamous relationship means that both partners engage in sexual activities only with each other. If you choose this means of reducing your risk, it is recommended that you and your partner get tested for HIV and other STDs before you begin to engage in unprotected sexual activities. This is 100% effective, but ONLY if you and your partner are completely honest about being mutually monogamous. Dental Dam- Dental Dams can be purchased in surgical and dental supply stores, and in some drug stores. A dental dam is a rectangular shaped piece of latex that is placed over the vagina or over the anus when engaging in oral sex. Consistent use of dental dams can reduce exposure to body fluids that transmit HIV such as vaginal secretions and blood. Diaphragm- A diaphragm provides far less protection against HIV than condoms, however it does provide some protection for the female partner. This is a risk reduction option for women who are not able to negotiate condom use with their partners. Nonoxynol-9 (a spermicide) is not recommended for use with a diaphragm or condoms, and you may actually increase the risk of acquiring HIV due to the irritating effect of N-9 in the vaginal area. Water-based Lubricants- The use of lubricant decreases the chance of condom breakage, enhances the body's natural lubrication system, and decreases vaginal and/or anal tearing. In other words, the wetter the better! If you are using a latex condom (most male condoms are latex), remember that only water-based lubricants should be used. Oil can break down latex. In recent laboratory studies, tests have shown that some water-based lubricants kill HIV in test tubes. This suggests that water-based lubricants may reduce the risk of HIV transmission when used consistently during sexual activities. Since water-based lubricants have already been proven safe for human use, using these types of lubricants, either alone or in conjunction with a condom, may help reduce the risk of acquiring HIV. The use of water-based lubricants alone provides far less protection than condoms. Nonoxynol 9 (N-9) is NOT a lubricant. It is a spermicide which reduces the risk of pregnancy by killing the sperm. N-9 increases the risk of HIV transmission. Other Risk Reduction Activities- The following is a list of ways to reduce your risk for HIV/STD transmission if you are not sexually abstinent, mutually monogamous with an uninfected partner, and/or using condoms consistently. Although less effective, these may help reduce your risk. Serial-Monogamy Serial-Monogamy involves being monogamous with one partner, ending that relationship and entering into another monogamous relationship. It is recommended that you and your new partner be tested for HIV/STDs prior to entering into a sexual relationship. Condoms Use with some partners but not all. For example, some people choose to use condoms with their outside partners but not with their primary partner, or vice-versa. Withdrawal Withdrawal involves the male removing the penis (pulling out) from the anus, vagina, and/or mouth before ejaculation. This slightly decreases risk by decreasing the amount of semen to which the partner is exposed, but a risk remains for HIV transmission through pre-ejaculate (pre-cum). Abstinence Abstinence from Substance Abuse may decrease the possibility of participating in high risk sexual behaviors. Estimates are that 2/3 of unprotected sex occurs under the influence. Reducing the Number of Partners: By reducing the number of people with whom you have sex, you reduce the number of times you could be exposed to HIV.	Birth Control Pills, Depo-Provera®, Norplant®, IUD- Birth control pills, Norplant®, Depo-Provera®, IUD and similar birth control methods do not create barriers to HIV/STDs.	Nonoxynol-9 and other spermicides- Use of spermicides alone does NOT protect against contact with blood, semen or vaginal secretions. Studies show that Nonoxynol-9 (N-9), a spermicide, may cause vaginal or anal irritation, thus increasing the risk of HIV transmission . It is recommended that you refrain from using N-9. However, if the only condom you have available has N-9, you may use this as part of a risk-reduction practice but not more frequently than once every other day. Douching- Douching does NOT provide protection against HIV. Douching may actually INCREASE HIV/STD transmission by irritating the vagina and/or anus, masking symptoms, or forcing STDs further into the body. Multiple Partners- Engaging in unprotected sexual activities with multiple partners increases your risk for HIV. The more sexual partners you have, the more likely you are to be exposed to someone who has HIV. Unprotected Sexual Activity- In the United States , 90% of HIV transmission is through unprotected sex (anal, vaginal and oral, in order of risk) and needle sharing. It is best to know your partner's status in order to make decisions about your sexual behavior.
Injection Drugs	Abstinence from Subtance Use- Abstinence is the only way to ensure that HIV is not transmitted through drug use. Abstinence means you do not engage in any type of substance use. If an individual wants to entirely eliminate the possibility of IV drug transmission of HIV, abstinence is the surest method. You can go back to being abstinent at anytime. Drug Treatment Program- Risk of infection from injection drug use can be completely avoided by entering a drug treatment program and ending drug use. Drug treatment programs are available throughout New York State to assist an individual in reaching recover. To find a drug treatment program, call 800 522-5353. Syringe Exchange Programs or Needle Exchange Programs (SEP/ NEP) / Expanded Syringe Access Programs- Risk of infection can also be avoided by using a new syringe for each injection and by not sharing syringes or works. Injection drug users can trade their used syringes for sterile syringes (needle and syringe) in those cities participating in Syringe/Needle Exchange Programs. In New York, SEP/NEP programs are found in New York City, Rochester, Buffalo, Tompkins County, and Mount Vernon. In other cities/towns in New York State, you can now purchase up to 10 new needles at a time without a prescription at participating pharmacies. Look for the ESAP sticker at your local pharmacy, or call 1-800-541-AIDS for more information about participating pharmacies and/or the ESAP program in your area. (ESAP) Cleaning Needles AND “the works”- One way of reducing your risk of infection if you use Injection drugs is to always clean the injection equipment (needles and works) immediately after use and just before reuse, even if it seems to be packaged as new. Steps for Cleaning Works: The best time to clean the works is after you come down from the high and before you need/want the next one. Wash out the syringe with clean water by drawing the water up through the needle to the top of the syringe, shake the set, then squirt out. DO NOT REUSE THIS WATER. Repeat this process at least 3 times. Draw undiluted bleach up through the needle to the top of the syringe and shake the set. Leave the bleach in the syringe for at least 30 seconds and squirt out. DO NOT REUSE THIS BLEACH. Repeat this step at least 3 times. Rinse the syringe and needle with clean water. Draw the clean water up through the needle to the top of the syringe, shake the set and squirt out. DO NOT REUSE THIS WATER. Repeat this step 3 times. Other things you need to know: - NEVER shoot or drink the bleach. - DO NOT reuse the cotton, water or cooker. However, if the cooker must be reused, soak it in bleach for at least 30 seconds and then rinse it with clean water. Since bleach loses its effectiveness with exposure to light, store all bleach for cleaning needles and works in a container that does not let light pass through. - NEVER assume the syringe is new, even if it seems to be packaged as new. Other Risk Reduction Activities- Reducing the Number of Partners: By reducing the number of people with whom you share the syringe and works, you reduce the number of times you could be exposed to HIV. Using non-Injection drugs may reduce your risk but still present a high risk for contracting HIV. Reducing your use activities for all drugs, including alcohol, may also reduce your risk, but continued use of any kind of Injection or non-Injection drug still presents a very high risk for HIV infection.		Sharing Needles of any kind- If you SHARE NEEDLES for shooting drugs, tattooing, steroids, or body piercing, you may get someone else’s blood directly into your bloodstream. Blood-to-blood contact is a high-risk behavior for HIV.
Other			Alcohol and other non-injection drug use- DRINKING ALCOHOL can put you at risk for HIV in several ways: -- You may be more likely to engage in unprotected sexual behavior with someone whose HIV status you don't know. -- You may have blackouts during which you don't remember what behavior you engaged in. -- You may be more vulnerable to sexual assault. Tattooing/ Piercing- If you SHARE NEEDLES for shooting drugs, tattooing, steroids, or body piercing, you may get someone else’s blood directly into your bloodstream. Blood-to-blood contact is a high-risk behavior for HIV. Blood Brothers/Blood Sisters- Cutting your hand/palm/other body part and rubbing it against a similar wound on another person involves blood-to-blood contact, which has a risk for HIV transmission. Judging by a person’s looks- Many people who have HIV have no outward signs or symptoms. They don’t look or act sick. You can’t tell if a person has HIV just by looking at him/her, and if you determine the person "looks clean" and base your decision to engage in unprotected sex or needle sharing with that person on looks alone, you put yourself at risk for acquiring HIV.

Should I get tested?

Everyone has an HIV status, but not everyone knows what it is. There are many options available for those living with HIV and the sooner you know your status, the more options you'll have open to you. If you or your partner have been at risk, we encourage you to consider testing.

How soon can I get tested?

You can get an accurate test reading as soon as 4 weeks after exposure, but it may take as long as 3 months after each risk exposure to know for sure if you do or don’t have HIV. For some people, regular testing is part of their routine sexual health care.

What is the difference between an anonymous and confidential HIV test?

Anonymous HIV testing is provided free of charge by the NYS Department of Health, NYC Department of Health, and by some county health departments. At anonymous test sites, it is not necessary to use a name or other identifying information. People are given a code number that they use to get the test results when they return. Anonymous testing is NOT recorded in a person's medical record and may NOT be used for attaining HIV-related treatment and services. People who test positive at one of the NYS's anonymous test sites can change their test results to a confidential one so that they can access HIV-related medical care and support services without waiting for a second test.

Confidential HIV testing is offered by many local health departments, community health centers, hospitals, family planning clinics, and private doctors. An individual's name is given to the tester and the test result is entered into the person's medical record. New York State law protects the confidentiality of all HIV-related information. At both anonymous and confidential testing sites, pre and post-test counseling should be offered.

Where can I go to get tested?

For both anonymous and confidential testing sites, call:

• 518 HIV-TEST (Capital District area)
• 800 201-AIDS (Northeastern New York)
• 800 872-2777 (New York State)
• 800 825-5448 (New York City)
• 800 233-SIDA (Estado Nueva York-en Español)
• 800 369-2437 (TDD for the Deaf)
• 800 342-AIDS (CDC National AIDS Hotline)

or check AIDS Council Testing Schedule or Other Area Testing Schedules

How do I know whether or not I've already been tested for HIV?

If you don't know, chances are you have NOT been tested. You need to give specific consent to be tested for HIV in New York State. The only exceptions to this rule in NYS are: federal prison inmates,individuals indicted and/or convicted of sexual assault (special circumstances may apply), people entering the military or Peace Corps, newborn babies, and mothers presenting in labor and delivery without an HIV test on record.

What treatment is available for those living with HIV?

New treatments for HIV have slowed the rate of progression from initial infection to a diagnosis of AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). There is still no cure. Drug combination therapies are often referred to as Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapies or HAART. HAART, (also called ART) or a "drug cocktail", includes drugs such as Protease Inhibitors, Nucleotide, Non-Nucleotides, Nucleoside, Entry Inhibitors and Integrase Inhibitors. Research is ongoing to find newer, easier-to-take medications. These drug combinations have been more effective than any of the other previously availably therapies.

While some who use drug combination therapy do very well and feel healthy, others may develop substantial side-effects and may not be able to stay on one or more of their medications. For still others, the combination therapy simply does not work. Many find the new drug regimens too demanding to take correctly, even though not doing so weakens the benefits of taking the drug. In addition, these drugs are very expensive. Many people who do not have adequate health insurance cannot afford the average cost of $12,000 or more per year for drug combination therapy. NYS has a program in place called ADAP or ADAP Plus that may be able to assist with the cost of medications, doctor visits, and more. For more information and/or to see if you qualify you can call, 800-542-2437 or write to:

ADAP Plus, Empire Station, PO Box 2052, Albany, NY 12220-2052.

People who miss doses of their medications may put themselves at risk for developing drug-resistant strains of HIV. An HIV-positive person may need to maintain a complicated treatment regimen for many years or for the rest of his/her life. People are better able to take their medications as prescribed if they limit their alcohol intake. People who are working and leading active lives also need to plan ahead to be sure they make time to take their medications exactly as prescribed. Taking each medication correctly every time and every day, helps the body fight HIV more effectively.

What can those with HIV do to stay healthy?

People who are HIV-positive can live healthy, productive lives for many years. A person infected with HIV can do many things to stay healthy longer:

• Exercise regulary to stay strong and fit.
• Make sure you have a doctor who knows how to treat HIV, and follow your doctor's instructions. Keep your appointments even if you feel fine.
• Be an active partner in your health care, ask questions about anything you don’t understand.
• Take the medications exactly as your doctor or other health care provider tells you to take them. If you get sick from your medications, call your doctor for advice rather than relying on the advice of your friends or family members.
• Don't smoke cigarettes or use drugs and/or alcohol. Your body can fight the virus more effectively if you stop smoking, using drugs and/or alcohol. Seek help if you can't stop on your own.
• Get enough sleep and rest.
• Eat a balanced diet and seek nutritional assessments from a registered dietician who specializes in HIV.
• Learn stress-management techniques. Many people find it easier to cope with the chronic stress of living with HIV/AIDS if they have a good social support network and/or engage in prayer or meditation.
• Women should get a Pap test once a year. Women infected with HIV are more likely to have an abnormal Pap test than women who do not have HIV.
• Talk to your doctor about getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B.

Is there a cure for HIV/AIDS?

No. There is NO CURE OR VACCINE for HIV infection or AIDS. Research scientists in the US and other countries are actively working toward the development of a cure. To date, no one has ever been able to cure any virus known to mankind, however, there are medications to help treat HIV.