The Truth About HIV

The Basics

• The only way to know for sure that you don't have HIV is to get tested.
• To protect yourself, check out Rubberman's Safer Sex Toolbox.
• You can get HIV if you are gay, straight, or just "messing around."
• You cannot tell if a person has HIV just by looking at him or her.
• AIDS is one of the leading cause of death among young adults.
• Want to talk to someone about HIV? Call the AIDS Hotline (800) 367-AIDS.

What is HIV?

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. A person infected with HIV can carry the virus in their body for months or years before they begin to show symptoms or get sick. During this time, they can still spread HIV to other people. A person can find out if they are infected even if they have no symptoms by taking an HIV test.

HIV attacks the immune system and prevents the body from fighting off different infections and diseases. Over time, this can make people with HIV very sick and can lead to death. AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is the name used by doctors when they diagnose any one of the many diseases people can get when they are infected with HIV.

How is HIV Spread?

People can get infected with the virus from:

• Sharing needles (drugs, steroids, tattoos,or piercings).
• Having anal or vaginal sex without a condom. You could get HIV from oral sex without a condom. However, the chances of getting HIV from oral sex are less than getting HIV from having unprotected anal or vaginal sex.
• Mother to baby transmission during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.
• Blood transfusions received in the U.S. between 1977 and 1985.

HIV is not spread through casual contact. You cannot get HIV from:

• clothes, phones or toilet seats
• sharing forks or cups
• sweat, saliva, or tears
• bug bites
• hugs, kisses
• sneezing or coughing

Staying Safe

There are things you can do to avoid getting HIV and other STDs. Check out these tips on how to have safer sex.

What is the HIV test like?

• Several places in Santa Cruz have free and anonymous HIV testing (no one will know your real name).
• It's painless and does not involve any blood or needles.
• The test counselor will place a cotton pad in your mouth for a few minutes. This type of test is called, "OraSure"
• It's 99% accurate
• The test counselor will also talk to you about what risks you have for HIV. The counselor will help you find ways to reduce those risks.
• It takes 2 weeks to get the results

Should you get an HIV test if you don't have any symptoms?

• You could have HIV for many years and not know it.
• The only way to know for sure you that you don't have HIV is to get tested.
• If you have HIV, early treatment can help you live a longer and healthier life.

Should you get an HIV test? Find out.

How much do you know about HIV?

1. Is there a cure for HIV?
   Answer: No, there is no cure for HIV. But with new medicine and treatment, many people can live longer, healthier lives if treated early.
2. True or fales: HIV is spread through blood, semen (cum), vaginal secretions, and breast milk.
   Answer: True.
3. What kind of lubricant should you use with condoms?
   Answer: Water-based lube. If you use an oil-based lube like vaseline, the condom might break.
4. True or false: Living with HIV does not mean you have AIDS.
   Answer: True. You can be infected with HIV but live many years without any symptoms.
5. Does the ex-professional basketball player, Magic Johnson, have AIDS?
   Answer: No. He is has the virus in his body but has not had any symptoms or gotten sick yet. AIDS is the name used by doctors when they diagnose any one of a number of diseases people can get when they are infected with HIV.
6. True or False: HIV is spread through toilet seats, saliva, and bug bites.
   Answer: False. HIV is not spread by casual contact.
7. True or False: If you have had an STD, it is easier to get HIV.
   Answer: True.