The Northwestern Connecticut AIDS Project

Northwestern Connecticut AIDS Project

WHAT IS HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immuno-Deficiency Syndrome). HIV attacks the immune system of the infected person.

IS THERE A CURE FOR HIV/AIDS?

To date, there is NO CURE for HIV/AIDS.

HOW IS HIV TRANSMITTED?

HIV is found in:

semen
blood
vaginal fluid
breast milk

HIV is transmitted ONLY when these fluids pass from an infected person directly into the bloodstream of another person.

The most common ways to get HIV are:

Having sex (vaginal, anal, or oral)
Sharing needles or other sharps (tattoo and ear piercing equipment, etc.)
Mother to baby transmission (during pregnancy, delivery, or breastfeeding)

CAN YOU GET HIV FROM SHAKING HANDS OR HUGGING?

NO! You cannot get HIV from casual contact such as:

Shaking hands, hugging or casual kissing
Sharing dishes or eating utensils
Using the same restroom, water fountains or telephones
Donating blood
Swimming in the same pool
Mosquito bites
Contact with a pet
Sharing a household with an infected person

HOW CAN YOU PREVENT HIV?

Some ways to prevent HIV include:

Abstaining from sex
Not sharing needles and other sharps

Some ways to reduce HIV risk include:

Practicing safer sex
Not engaging in risky behaviors

WHAT IS SAFER SEX?

Sex which does not involve intercourse or penetration of any kind is safer.
Using a condom or dental dam during sex is safer if it is used consistently and correctly each and every time.

HOW CAN YOU TELL IF YOU ARE
INFECTED BY HIV?

The ONLY way to determine whether you are infected is by getting tested for HIV. NCAP offers free, confidential HIV testing.

WHY GET TESTED?

The new treatments available are most effective when started earlier rather than later
To help prevent the unintentional spread of HIV to others.