Show All Answers

1. What is HIV / AIDS?

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It is the virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome or AIDS. Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV. That means that once you have HIV, you have it for life.

No safe and effective cure currently exists, but scientists are working hard to find one, and remain hopeful. Meanwhile, with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. Treatment for HIV is often called antiretroviral therapy or ART. It can dramatically prolong the lives of many people infected with HIV and lower their chance of infecting others. Before the introduction of ART in the mid-1990s, people with HIV could progress to AIDS in just a few years. Today, someone diagnosed with HIV and treated before the disease is far advanced can have a nearly normal life expectancy.

HIV affects specific cells of the immune system, called CD4 cells, or T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can't fight off infections and diseases. When this happens, HIV infection leads to AIDS.

2. How is HIV spread?

In the United States, HIV is spread mainly by having unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, and oral) or sharing injection drug equipment such as needles with someone who has HIV.

Only certain fluids-blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk-from an HIV-infected person can transmit HIV. These fluids must come in contact with a mucous membrane or damaged tissue or be directly injected into the bloodstream (from a needle or syringe) for transmission to possibly occur. Mucous membranes can be found inside the rectum, the vagina, the opening of the penis, and the mouth.

3. How do I know if I have HIV?

The only way to know if you are infected with HIV is to be tested. You cannot rely on symptoms to know whether you have HIV. Many people who are infected with HIV do not have any symptoms at all for 10 years or more. Some people who are infected with HIV report having flu-like symptoms 2 to 4 weeks after exposure.

These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. During this time, HIV infection may not show up on an HIV test, but people who have it are highly infectious and can spread the infection to others.

Two types of home testing kits are available in most drugstores or pharmacies: one involves pricking your finger for a blood sample, sending the sample to a laboratory, then phoning in for results. The other involves getting a swab of fluid from your mouth, using the kit to test it, and reading the results in 20 minutes. Confidential counseling and referrals for treatment are available with both kinds of home tests.

If you test positive for HIV, you should contact Butte County Public Health Department as soon as possible to be linked to local resources and medical care.

4. What can I do to protect myself?

Today, more tools than ever are available to prevent HIV. In addition to limiting your number of sexual partners, never sharing needles, and using condoms correctly and consistently, you may be able to take advantage of newer biomedical options such as Pre-Exposure (PREP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). Find a provider close to you who you can talk to about being prescribed PREP or talking to your doctor.

5. Where can I get tested?

Butte County Public Health Clinics in Chico and Oroville provide free or low-cost STD testing and treatment.