What is AIDS?
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) occurs when an individual's immune system is weakened by HIV to the point where they develop any number of diseases or cancers. People who haven't had one of these diseases or cancers, but whose immune system is shown by a laboratory test to be severely damaged are also considered to have progressed to an AIDS diagnosis.

What is the difference between HIV
and AIDS?
A weakened immune system caused by HIV will allow opportunistic infections (OIs) to develop. A healthy immune system would normally fight these infections while an HIV-weakened immune system is susceptible. An HIV-infected person develops AIDS when he or she has developed one of the many OIs that are typically seen in people with AIDS. A person also develops AIDS when he or she experiences a major drop in white blood cells, as measured by T cells or CD4 count.

How does someone get HIV?
In the United States, HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, and oral sex, and through injection drug use. Certain bodily fluids including blood, pre-cum, semen, and vaginal secretions, spread HIV. An HIV-infected woman can pass HIV to her baby through pregnancy, delivery and breast milk. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) contact with saliva, tears or sweat has never resulted in HIV transmission. And you cannot be infected through casual contact such as hugging or shaking hands.

What are ways to reduce the risk of HIV or other STD transmission?
There is no cure for HIV/AIDS, but it is preventable. You can protect yourself. Choose not to have sex, or make an agreement with a partner who is not HIV-positive to be sexually faithful to each other, and stick to it. Use a condom for vaginal or anal sexual intercourse, and barrier methods, such as a condom or dental dam, for oral sex. If you are HIV-positive and you are pregnant, see your health care provider to get appropriate treatment. Treatments are available to significantly reduce the risk of passing the infection to your child during pregnancy and delivery. Do not share needles for injection drug use. Get Tested! And ask partners to do the same.

Is there a cure or vaccine for HIV/AIDS?
At this time there is no cure or vaccine for HIV. However, new combination drug therapies have proven highly effective in delaying the onset of AIDS. Certain HIV treatments during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding can significantly lower the risk of passing the virus on to a baby.