HIV Facts and Information

What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS.

How do you get HIV?

Having sex without a condom with someone who has HIV

Sharing a needle to inject drugs with someone who has HIV

Having a mother who was infected with HIV when you were born

From a blood transfusion

How can HIV be prevented?

The only way to completely prevent HIV is to never have sex. Using a condom every time you have sex helps keep you from getting HIV.

How is HIV diagnosed?

With a blood test done in our clinic. It takes about 30 minutes to get the results after your blood is drawn.

What if my test is reactive?

If your rapid test is reactive, you will need to have more blood drawn to be sent to another lab to make sure the result is correct.

If the second test is reactive, your doctor or nurse practitioner will order more blood tests and start you on medications.

We will also help you in finding other services that you may need in order to stay as healthy as possible.

Who should be tested?

Everyone between the ages of 13 and 65 should be tested at least once. If you are high risk, your health care provider may recommend that you have the test more often.

Will I die from HIV?

No. There are medications to treat HIV and you can live many years with the virus.

What are the symptoms of HIV?

The following may be warning sign of HIV infection:

Weight loss for no reason

Dry cough or a cold that doesn't go away

Fever that goes on for a long time

Sweating in the night

Diarrhea that won't go away

White spots in your mouth

In women, having a lot of vaginal infections that are difficult to treat

Rash

Feeling tired all of the time

When do symptoms appear?

It can take up to 10 years after you are infected with the HIV virus before you get sick. That is why it is important to have your blood tested for HIV.

What if I have more questions?

Ask your doctor or nurse. You can also get information from the following places:

Minnesota Department of Health
www.health.state.mn.us

Ramsey County Department of Public Health
651-266-1452

Minnesota Aids Project
612-373-2437