
HIV Testing Available Same Day
Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV,
is the virus that causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).
The virus weakens a person's ability to fight infections and cancer.
How Do People
Get HIV?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in the U.S. the estimated
number of people with HIV/AIDS
is about 1,185,000 with approximately 25% of them unaware of their infection. A
person gets HIV when an infected person's
body fluids (blood, semen, fluids from the vagina or breast milk) enter his or her
bloodstream. The virus can enter the blood through linings in the mouth, anus, vagina,
penis or through broken skin.
Both men and women can spread HIV.
A person with HIV can feel okay and still
give the virus to others. Pregnant women with HIV
also can give the virus to their babies.
Who Can
Get
HIV?
Anyone can get HIV if they engage in certain
activities. You may have a higher risk of getting HIV
if you: