WHAT IS HIV?

To understand what HIV is, lets break it down:

H Human This particular virus can only infect human beings.

I Immunodeficiency HIV weakens your immune system by destroying important cells that fight disease and infection. A "deficient" immune system can't protect you.

V Virus A virus can only reproduce itself by taking over a cell in the body of its host.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is a lot like other viruses, including those that cause the "flu" or the common cold. But there is an important difference over time, your immune system can clear most viruses out of your body. That isn't the case with HIV the human immune system can't seem to get rid of it. Scientists are still trying to figure out why.

We know that HIV can hide for long periods of time in the cells of your body and that it attacks a key part of your immune system your T-cells or CD4 cells. Your body has to have these cells to fight infections and disease, but HIV invades them, uses them to make more copies of itself, and then destroys them.

Over time, HIV can destroy so many of your CD4 cells that your body can't fight infections and diseases anymore. When that happens, HIV infection can lead to AIDS.

WHAT IS AIDS?
To understand what AIDS is, lets break it down:

A Acquired AIDS is not something you inherit from your parents. You acquire AIDS after birth.

I Immuno Your body's immune system includes all the organs and cells that work to fight off infection or disease.

D Deficiency You get AIDS when your immune system is "deficient," or isn't working the way it should.

S Syndrome A syndrome is a collection of symptoms and signs of disease. AIDS is a syndrome, rather than a single disease, because it is a complex illness with a wide range of complications and symptoms.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome is the final stage of HIV infection. People at this stage of HIV disease have badly damaged immune systems, which put them at risk for opportunistic infections (OIs).

HOW DO YOU GET HIV OR AIDS?

In Trinidad and Tobago, according to its recent statistics it has been reported that the majority of persons infected by HIV is in the age range from 15-49 years .

HOW TO PREVENT HIV/AIDS AND OTHER STDS There are several steps you can take to protect yourself against HIV/AIDS and other STDs:

Abstinence: Simply choose not to have sex. Get more information about abstinence. Sober Sex: If youre drinking or taking drugs, you are more apt to get into a situation where safer sex practices falter or fail altogether. If you have sex when youre sober, youre more likely to be safe. Latex and Polyurethane Barrier Methods: Use safe sex materials such as male and female condoms, dental dams, and finger cots when engaging in sexual activity. Do not use male and female condoms at the same time! Click here to purchase condoms. Fewer Partners/Monogamy: The fewer sex partners you have, the more you reduce your risk of HIV infection. Needle Exchange/Clean Your Works: Always use new, unused needles or clean your works by flushing the needle and plunger with water and bleach each time you use an intravenous drug syringe. Do not share other IV drug paraphanalia such as cookers cottons/filters, or water glasses. There are needle exchange programs available in your area where you can exchange used needles for new ones. For more information, visit www.harmreduction.org Pregnancy: If you are HIV positive and think you may be pregnant, you should contact your doctor immediately to discuss your options. There are medications that you can take during your pregnancy to reduce your babys risk of being HIV positive. Breastfeeding: HIV positive mothers should not nurse a child. HIV can be transmitted from mother to child via breast milk. Instead your physician will provide alternatives to nursing your baby. Getting Tested: The only way to be sure of your HIV status is to get tested. With a rapid oral test, you can even get a cheek swab and get your results in as little as 20 minutes. If you test negative, your healthcare provider will provide tools that can help you remain that way. If you test positive, your healthcare provider can counsel you on methods used to prevent the spread of HIV.