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What is HIV?
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The
letters stand for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This is the virus that causes AIDS. Human means that the virus affects human rather than other
forms of life. Immunodeficiency means that the
immune system is not functioning as it should. A Virus
is a submicroscopic parasite that can grow and reproduce only in living cells. There is NO way to kill the HIV. No antibiotic or drug has been found to completely kill this virus once it is in your body. Treatments are only able to sometimes slow the growth of the virus. |
How is HIV spread from one person to another? |
HIV is spread through an exchange of body
fluids. This can be blood, semen, breast milk, or cervical-vaginal secretions. HIV is usually spread during sexual activity, but it can also be spread from one person to another by sharing needles such as with intravenous (IV) drug use. HIV can also be spread from mother to her unborn child. |
How can I keep from getting HIV? |
Use a new latex condom (rubber) with a
water-based lubricant every time you have sex. |
What are the myths about the spread of HIV from person to person?
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You will NOT
get HIV from the following:
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