| HIV- AIDS
*
30% of individuals entering treatment test + for HIV *Alabama
has more HIV/AIDS cases per 100,000 people than any state
in the US and *35,000
do not know they're HIV+ What
is HIV/AIDS
HIV: the
human immunodeficiency virus -is a virus that attacks
the body's immune system and Kills
four body's '604 cells.' £P4
cells (also called T- helper cells) help four body
fight off infection
and disease. At
present, there is no cure.
AIDS: the
acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-is the last stage
of HIV infection when HIV destroys
your body's immune system. Normally,
your immune system helps you fight off illness. When
your immune system fails you can become very sick
and die.
How
can you get HIV? Four
fluids transmit the HIV/AIPS virus: blood, breast
milk, semen and
vaginal secretions.
What
are the most effective ways to prevent HIV?
Don't
use/share needles when injecting drugs. Don't
have sex (this includes oral and anal sex.). Make
sure that if you have sex that it is with one other
person that has been tested for the
virus. Don't share razors or toothbrushes as they
may contain small traces of blood.
What
are some ways I can reduce the risk of HIV infection?
Use
a condom –THE RIGHT WAY- every time during vaginal,
anal, or oral sex. Don't use drugs
or alcohol, which can impair your judgment. Use
latex gloves when you come in contact with
blood. Clean
all needles and syringes with bleach and water if more
effective prevention is
not available.
Who
should be tested for HIV?
Anyone
that engages in risky sexual behavior with more
than one partner or with someone whose HIV status is
unknown. Anyone
who has ever used IV drugs. Anyone
who has ever had a
sexually transmitted disease (especially Chlamydia
or gonorrhea). Anyone
who has ever had a
blood transfusion before 1985. If
you've had sex with a person who has done any of these things.
• You
CANNOT get
HIV from being around another person with the disease.
• You
also CANNOT get
HIV by kissing, hugging, or donating blood.
• Mosquitoes,
insects, sweat, spit, tears, drinking fountains,
clothing, phones, toilet
seats,
or simply sharing a meal with an infected person does NOT transmit
the virus!!!
Hepatitis
C is a liver disease caused by infection with the
hepatitis C virus (HCV). The virus is found
in the blood of persons who have this disease
and is spread by contact with infected blood. You
should be tested for hepatitis C... • If
you ever injected street drugs, even once many
years ago. • If
you had a blood transfusion or organ transplant
before July 1992. • If
you were treated for clotting problems with
a blood product made before 1987. • If
you have ever been on long-term kidney dialysis. Why
is it important to be tested? If
you test positive for hepatitis C, it is very likely that
you have chronic (long-term) liver disease. You
need to see a doctor to • Find
out if you have liver disease and if you should
be treated for it. • Learn
how you can protect your liver from further
harm. • Learn
how you can prevent spreading HCV to
others. But
I don't fee! sick. Many
persons who have hepatitis C have no symptoms
and feel healthy for many years. For some
persons, the most common symptom is extreme
tiredness. The only way to tell if you have
been infected with HCV is to have an HCV blood
test, which is not part of a routine physical.
How
serious is it? If
your HCV test is positive, your doctor should test
you for liver disease. Hepatitis C is serious for some
persons, but not for others. Most persons who
get hepatitis C carry the virus for the rest of their
lives and will have some liver damage, but many
do not feel sick. Some persons with liver damage
due to hepatitis C may develop cirrhosis (scarring)
of the liver and liver failure, which may take
many years to develop. Is
there treatment? Current
antiviral medicines may get rid of the virus and
reduce liver disease. If you have hepatitis C, check
with your doctor to see if treatment can help. If
you have it, protect your liver! • Don't
drink alcohol. • See
your doctor regularly. • Check
with your doctor before starting new medicines,
including over-the-counter and herbal
medicines. • Get
vaccinated for hepatitis A if you have liver disease. FOR
MORE INFORMATION ON HEPATITIS C: Access
our web site at www.cdc.gov/hepatitis Or
call the Hepatitis Information Line at 1-888-4HEP-CDC,
1-888-443-7232 Or
write to Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention Division
of Viral Hepatitis, Mailstop G37 1600
Clifton Road Atlanta,
GA 30333 Ask
Your Doctor if You or Your Loved Ones Should Be Tested
for Hepatitis C. |
