Commonly asked questions about HIV/AIDS.Q Can I get HIV HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), either of two closely related retroviruses that invade T-helper lymphocytes and are responsible for AIDS. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the vast majority of AIDS in the United States. through oral sex? A Yes, you can. While the likelihood of the virus's transmission isn't as high during oral sex as during vaginal or anal sex, there are cases in which the virus has been transmitted this way. For instance, you may have sores or cuts in your mouth through which the virus could enter. And, of course, semen and vaginal fluid may contain the virus, which could enter your body through cells lining your mouth. If you choose to perform oral sex, make sure your male partner uses a condom. Female partners should use a dental dam or a cut-open condom in their mouth to create a barrier. You can even use plastic food wrap as a barrier during oral sex with a woman or as an added protection during oral sex with a man. --Beryl A. Koblin, PhD Head, Laboratory of Infectious Disease Infectious disease A pathological condition spread among biological species. Infectious diseases, although varied in their effects, are always associated with viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, multicellular parasites and aberrant proteins known as prions. Prevention Member, Lindsley F. Kimball Research Institute The New York Blood Center New York Blood Center bills itself as the "nation's largest, community-based, non-profit, independent blood center." Founded in 1964, it relies upon a staff of 2,000 volunteers and a much smaller permanent staff in order to supply over 200 hospitals in New York and New Jersey with New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of , NY Q I've just been diagnosed with HIV. I'm so confused and upset I don't know Don't know (DK, DKed) "Don't know the trade." A Street expression used whenever one party lacks knowledge of a trade or receives conflicting instructions from the other party. what do. Where do I start? A The first step, if you haven't already, is to find a physician who specializes in HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome . This disease and its treatment are so complicated that a general practitioner general practitioner n. Abbr. GP A physician whose practice consists of providing ongoing care covering a variety of medical problems in patients of all ages, often including referral to appropriate specialists. will not be able to take care of you as well. Ask what your viral load is (how much virus is in your system) and get your T-cell count, which tells you how well your immune system is doing. These numbers provide a picture of your medical status. Then identify a support system. Your support system doesn't have to be large; just one or two people you trust and feel comfortable with. In fact, it's a good idea to let them know you're going to be tested and have one of them with you when you get the results. If you need to start on anti-retrovirals, decide if you want to go through your insurance company--which alerts them to your HIV status--or pay for it yourself to protect your privacy. I also recommend you have a support system in place when you start taking the drugs and take some time off from work, because the initial side effects can be harsh. You also need to learn to incorporate the virus into your life, particularly your sex life. That means practicing safe sex. If you don't know how to use condoms, or how to negotiate their use with your partner, talk to a social worker or counselor who specializes in HIV/AIDS. Then there's the issue of when to disclose your status. When to tell can be very tricky. Some people might treat you well, but others may start seeing you as a dying person. Ditch the latter--you don't need that type of person around. --Karina Danvers Director of the Connecticut AIDS Education and Training Center Yale School of Nursing Yale School of Nursing (YSN) was established in 1923 at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, U.S. and has become a leading school of nursing in the United States. It has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and clinical practice. New Haven, CT |
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