World AIDS Day
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
Chapa-De puts your health first. We want to make sure you are informed about as many different health risks as possible. This month we observe World AIDS Day.
World AIDS Day
On December 1st of each year we take the time to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for those living with HIV, and remember those who have died due to an AIDS-related illness. Currently, there are 36.7 million people worldwide living with the HIV virus. Many of those who are diagnosed do not know how to protect themselves and others from the virus. Today, we want to educate you on how to protect yourself an others, and also remind the public and the government that HIV still exists. Read more about World AIDS Day HERE.
What is HIV?
HIV stands for human immunodefiency virus. It is a virus that spreads through certain fluids and attacks the immune system, which is responsible for fighting off viruses in the body. This means that your body can no longer fight off different infections and diseases and you can get sick much easier and faster.
What is AIDS?
When HIV goes untreated, it can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS. AIDS is the most severe phase of HIV infection. People with AIDS have horribly damaged immune systems and develop severe illnesses called opportunistic infections. People who progress to AIDS without treatment usually live for only 3 more years.
How is HIV/AIDS Transmitted?
Because HIV is transmitted through bodily fluids, it is usually contracted through sexual behaviors and needle or syringe use. The bodily fluids that can transmit AIDS are:
- Blood
- Semen
- Pre-seminal fluid
- Rectal fluids
- Vaginal fluids
- Breast milk
When you come in contact with these fluids from someone who has HIV, you are immediately at risk of contracting the virus.
Symptoms of HIV/AIDS
There are a few symptoms for HIV, the only sure way to know if you have it is to get tested. Knowing if you are infected by HIV/AIDS is incredibly important because it tells you if need to take precautions so as not to transmit it to someone else.
Potential symptoms of HIV are:
- Flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks of infection
- Click HERE for more details on flu-like symptoms
Potential symptoms of AIDS are:
- Rapid weight loss
- Recurring fever or night sweats
- Prolonged swelling of lymph glands
- Lasting diarrhea
- Sore(s) on the mouth, anus, or genitals
- Pneumonia
- Blotches on the skin in the mouth, or on the nose or eyelids
- Memory loss, depression, and other neurologic disorders
- Click HERE for more information on potential AIDS symptoms
These symptoms are not conclusive. The only way to find out for sure if you have HIV/AIDS is to get tested. If you think you may have been in contact with HIV, you should get tested immediately.
How to Prevent Contraction of HIV/AIDS
To make sure you do not become infected with HIV/AIDS, take care to:
- Use a condom during sex
- Know your sexual partner’s history
- Reduce your number of sexual partners
- Do not share needles or syringes
- Treat HIV as soon as possible after infection by starting antiretroviral therapy (ART)
- Learn more about preventive behaviors HERE.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can contract HIV/AIDS, but there are groups of people that are at high risk of contraction for a variety of reasons. These groups include:
- Gay and bisexual men
- African Americans
- Hispanics/Latinos
- Transgender women
- Read more about how these groups are at higher risk of infection
There is currently no cure for HIV. This means that once you contract the virus, you will have it for life. However, early diagnosis is extremely important because when HIV is treated there is a much smaller risk of progressing to AIDS.
At Chapa-De we offer confidential HIV screening. This means you can come in for a test while maintaining your privacy. To schedule an appointment, call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2810 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at chapa-de.org.
World AIDS Day
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley | Medical Clinic
Worldaidsday.org
Hiv.gov
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