Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a viral infection that is acquired through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, sharing needles, contact with blood or passed to babies in the womb or through breast milk and is treatable, but not curable. HIV can be present for several years after infection without symptoms. Some symptoms include extreme fatigue, rapid weight loss, night sweats, frequent fevers, and frequent yeast infections. Aquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is diagnosed with the person with HIV's T-cells (type of white blood cells that fight infection) drop below a certain amount.
Also know as: HIV, AIDS
How You Get It:
Symptoms:
Prevention: With condom or barrier method use in some cases, abstaining from sex, using a clean needle every time with intravenous drugs or self-tatooing or piercing, regular testing to prevent passing it to partners
Testing: A rapid swab or blood test - swab tests can give results in as little as 20 minutes, positive swab tests are followed up by a second test to confirm HIV infection
Treatment:
If left untreated:
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