Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the virus which causes AIDS. It is contracted by contact with the blood, semen or vaginal secretions of an infected person. Once infected, a person may remain healthy for years. When an HIV infected person (HIV positive) becomes ill he has AIDS.

Risk Factors People at risk for HIV who should be tested are people:
 

• Who have had unprotected sex with others whose HIV status is unknown.
• Who have had unprotected sex with anyone who is HIV positive.
• Who have other sexually transmitted diseases (makes it easier to contract HIV).
• Who have shared needles.
• Who have had unprotected sex with anyone who falls into the above categories.

The Test

If a screening test is positive it is verified by performing a Western Blot. If positive, these tests together are greater than 99% accurate. A negative result means no HIV antibodies have been detected. Such antibodies will usually be detected within 3 months, but may occasionally take up to 6 months to be detected.

To be certain that one is HIV negative one must be tested after 6 months from the time of one’s possible exposure.