WHAT IS HIV/ AIDS
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a lentivirus that attacks the body's immune system. The HIV virus weakens a person's immune system by destroying the essential conductor of the immune system, CD4+ T cells. As the HIV virus weakens the immune system, the body's ability to fight life threatening opportunistic infections and diseases lessens. HIV is transmitted from person to person through bodily fluids which include blood, semen, vaginal fluid, pre-ejaculate, and breast milk. The transmission of HIV occurs through unsafe sex, contaminated needles, breast milk, and perinatal transmission (mother-to-child transmission).

How is HIV Spread?
HIV is spread primarily by:
Having unprotected anal or vaginal sex with a person who is HIV-positive. Even though it poses a much lower risk, HIV can be transmitted through unprotected oral sex.
Sharing needles, syringes, rinse water, or other equipment used to prepare illicit drugs for injection.
Mother-to-Child transmission. HIV can be passed from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breast-feeding.

HIV cannot reproduce outside the human body. It is not spread by:
Air or water.
Insects, including mosquitoes.
Saliva, tears, or sweat.
Casual contact such as shaking hands or sharing dishes.
Closed-mouth or "social" kissing.

What are the Symptoms of HIV?
How do I know if I am HIV infected?
Can HIV be prevented?