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| Question: | What does HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) do to a person? |
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| Answer: | HIV attacks a person’s immune system. The immune system works by fighting off germs and diseases that make a person sick. When the immune system is being attacked by HIV, it does not work like it is supposed to, and these germs and other diseases spread inside the body. These diseases weaken the immune system even more, and result in the person getting sick more often than normal. Eventually (usually 7-10 years later), HIV destroys the immune system so badly that the person develops AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Although a person with AIDS can live for a long time, he/she will most likely die from some other disease that attacks the body, such as pneumonia, cancer, or other bacteria and viruses. Luckily, HIV can be prevented! |
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| Question: | How can someone prevent getting HIV? |
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| Answer: | A person can prevent getting HIV or AIDS by abstaining from sex and not using intravenous drugs. If a person is going to have sex, he/she should know their partner very well and be certain that their partner is not infected. By staying faithful with this one non-infected partner, you are at no risk of getting infected with HIV unless you are involved with IV drug use. You can be even safer with your sexual partner by using protection each time that you have sex. This means using latex condoms. They give protection against HIV as well as many other diseases such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia. If you use this protection each time you have sex, you are greatly lowering your chances of getting infected with HIV and many other diseases. You are still at risk of infection if you are using drugs, including alcohol. People who use cocaine, alcohol, or other drugs may make a bad decision under the influence of these substances and have unprotected sex with a high risk partner. Remember, you cannot tell if a person is infected with HIV by the way they look! |
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| Question: | How does a person get infected with HIV? |
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| Answer: | Usually, HIV is spread from one person to another through four body fluids: blood, semen, and vaginal secretions, and breast milk. |
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| Question: | How much does testing cost? |
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| Answer: | A small donation will be encouraged. |
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| Question: | What is the test? |
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| Answer: | You will speak with the counselor about the virus. She will try to answer any questions and concerns that you may have. She will help you determine your own risk of infection. If you both decide testing is appropriate, she will do an HIV test. No results will be given over the telephone unless there are special circumstances, which are discussed previously with the counselor. |
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| Question: | What happens if a test is positive? |
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| Answer: | If a person tests positive for HIV, as much additional counseling as needed will be provided. Also, appropriate referrals to other services will be made available. The person’s name will not be given to anyone without first receiving permission. |
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