HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV attacks certain cells of the body, especially those that protect us from disease. People who have HIV can stay healthy for a long time, but, eventually, the immune system is compromised to the degree that the infected person becomes ill. At this point, when HIV-infected people begin to develop illness or disease, they are diagnosed with AIDS. There is no vaccine or cure for AIDS. People can, however, protect themselves from contracting the virus.
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How HIV is prevented
HIV is prevented by not engaging in sex. If you have sex with someone who has had sex before, using a latex condom can provide protection from HIV. Never engage in sex with someone known or suspected of having HIV without using a latex condom.
Using drugs may prevent you from making wise choices about other behaviors. Do not share needles for any reason. Needles used by another person for drugs (including steroids), tattoos, body piercing or for any other reason can transmit HIV.
HIV testing should be considered by all women who are, or are planning to become, pregnant. About 25 percent of babies born to infected women will be HIV positive. If an infected woman becomes pregnant, she can be treated with medicine that will lessen the likelihood that her baby will be infected.
How to know if others have HIV
You can't tell if someone is HIV infected based on appearance. People who have HIV may look and feel healthy. They may not know they are infected.
People who have had sexual intercourse or have shared needles are at risk. If they have had sex or shared needles with several partners, the risk is greater.
Who should be tested
People who engage in behaviors, such as unprotected sex or needle sharing, are at risk of being infected and should be tested. The more partners, the greater the risk of infection.
It is important to know about an infection so that others do not contract HIV. Medical care early in the course of the infection will keep infected people healthy longer.
In North Dakota, testing is done free and confidentially at the test sites listed on this website. State law requires you to sign a consent form before being tested. The consent form explains who may receive information about the test results.
How to know if you have HIV
HIV testing is done by analyzing a small amount of your blood or oral fluid. If your blood or oral fluid contains antibodies to HIV, you have the virus in your system. Because the HIV test looks for antibodies, a person who is infected may test negative before testing positive. The test counselor will help you determine the most appropriate time to be tested.
How HIV is NOT transmitted
The virus is not passed from person to person through casual contact. Examples of casual contact include:- Hugging
- Shaking hands
- Sharing eating utensils
- Touching toilet seats
- Touching door knobs
The virus also is not transmitted through mosquito bites. Working or playing with someone who is HIV infected does not put you at risk.
How HIV is Transmitted
HIV can be transmitted through four body fluids. To get HIV, one of these fluids must get into your body:- Blood
- Semen
- Vaginal fluid
- Breast milk
Behaviors that put people at risk include:- Sexual intercourse
- Sharing needles
A baby also can be infected before or during birth if the mother is infected. Some babies have been infected through breast milk. Before 1985, some people were infected when they received blood transfusions. Blood is now tested, and the chances of getting HIV from a transfusion are very small. You will not get HIV from donating blood.
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