AIDS/HIV

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV destroys the body’s ability to fight cancer and infections. HIV can lead to AIDS which stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS kills your t-cells. When you get a cut, your T-cells starts working to cure the cut. If you have no T-cells a minor cut can become fatal. When you get someone else’s blood into your system, you have a chance of catching HIV. You should get tested for HIV/AIDS at least every 6 months or twice a year. If you think you have been exposed to the virus go to the clinic and get tested. Not having sex at all is the only 100% effective way to not catch HIV/AIDS. Latex condoms when used correctly and consistently can reduce the risk of transmission of HIV/AIDS. You have HIV when you have these symptoms… Early HIV Symptoms • Fever • Headache • Tiredness • Nausea • Diarrhea • Enlarged lymph nodes (neck, armpits and groin) Later HIV Symptoms • rapid weight loss • dry cough • A lot of fevers or profuse night sweats • swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck • diarrhea that lasts for more than a week • white spots on the tongue, in the mouth, or in the throat • pneumonia • red, brown, pink, or purplish blotches on or under the skin or inside the mouth, nose, or eyelids • memory loss, depression, and other disorders Myths “Can I get HIV/AIDS from holding hands”-False You can’t get the virus from someone’ skin. “I had sex with my clothes on so I don’t have HIV”-False As long as you have sex there is still a chance of getting HIV. “ I got HIV from giving someone oral sex?”-True “I got HIV from sitting on the same toilet with someone who had the virus.”-False HIV can’t live out the human body. “I got HIV from a mosquito”-False The virus can’t live out of the human body. Clinics That Provide Free Testing AIDS Health Project Asian and Pacific Islander wellness center California Pacific Medical Center (California Campus) China Public Health Center Cole Street Youth Clinic-Huckleberry Youth Programs Family Health Center Good Samaritan Family Resource Center Larkin Street Youth Services Mission Neighborhood Health Center New Generation Health Center North East Medical Center Planned Parenthood Golden Gate Saint James Infirmary

Last Updated on Tuesday, 02 February 2010 21:58