Some Important Facts About HIV

Many HIV-infected people do not have symptoms and are not aware that they are able to spread the disease. Therefore, it is important to be tested within six months after possible exposure.

Symptoms can appear anytime from one to ten years or more depending on the person. Some of the symptoms include:

persistent or recurrent fever
weight loss without any reason
persistent diarrhea
chills or night sweats
loss of appetite
fatigue or tiredness
spots on the skin or other parts of the body
swollen glands in the neck, armpits or groin
white spots in the mouth or throat

HIV knows no boundaries. It can infect men, women, and children of any age, race, or ethnicity. With the development of new medications and increased knowledge, more HIV-infected individuals will be living longer and fuller lives. Early testing is the key to staying healthy, so don't wait until you get sick to get tested. If you or someone you know is living with HIV or AIDS and is in need of help or more information, please call our office at 1.800.604.4045. All Information Is Strictly Confidential.

What Is HIV?

HIV stands for the Human Immune Deficiency Virus. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV weakens a person's ability to fight disease. HIV attacks the body's self defense system so that it is unable to fight off other illnesses. People with HIV can develop diseases or infections that usually are not harmful for people with healthy immune systems.

How Is HIV Passed?

	By having unprotected sex with an HIV-infected person
	Sharing infected needles used to inject drugs, medicine, steroids, or vitamins, or for ear piercing or tattoos.
	Through blood transfusions from an HIV-infected donor
	An HIV-infected mother to her baby
	Handling HIV-infected blood/body fluids bare-handed with open sores

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