HIV/AIDS 101

H – Human
I – Immuno-deficiency
V – Virus

The virus is passed from one human being who is living with HIV and
detectable to another. HIV may lead to an AIDS/HIV Stage 3 diagnosis.

AIDS: A Definition (1) and Diagnosis (2)

1. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome – A syndrome is a group or collection of symptoms and illnesses
2. CDC diagnosis – when a person with HIV has less than 200 T-cells in their blood and/or one or more “AIDS defining illnesses” or opportunistic infections (OI’s). Healthy T-cell numbers (800-1200)

There are 26 such cancers, infections and viruses. They are listed in their entirety on the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/hiv

TESTING FOR HIV INFECTION

Window Period – 14 days to 3 months from exposure to a positive test result. The tests are either free or a nominal fee at any local health department.

Incubation Period – Average of 10 years – the virus can be in your body and have no outward signs or symptoms.

Without getting tested people can have the virus in their bodies for years before showing symptoms of the virus. Therefore, it be transmitted on to sexual/needle sharing partners or your unborn babies without realizing it.

Transmission

Body Fluids That Do Not Transmit HIV:

• Saliva
• Sweat
• Tears
• Urine
• Feces
• Vomit

HOW HIV ENTERS THE BODY

Sex – condomless anal, and vaginal intercourse with a partner who is detectable for HIV.

• Man to Man
• Man to Woman
• Woman to Man
• Woman to Woman
• Blood to blood contact
• Sharing contaminated needles/syringes for any reason
• Lack of Syringe Access Programs /Harm Reduction efforts
• Infected transfusions or blood components*
• Infected blood clotting factor*
• Mother to Fetus/Baby
• During pregnancy
• During birth
• During breast feeding

*This has rarely happened since testing began in 1985

HIV IS NOT SPREAD THROUGH CASUAL CONTACT!

Some examples are:

• Handshakes
• Hugs
• Kisses on the cheek
• Swimming pool
• Bathroom
• Bus or airplane
• Drinking glass
• Eating utensils
• Plate or dish
• Massage
• Office space
• Insect bite

Michigan’s Revised HIV Disclosure Law

If not medically suppressed-has a detectable viral load & during vaginal or anal sex, Did not disclose HIV status & Did not transmit HIV & Did not intend to transmit HIV, then 1 year misdemeanor and/or$1000 fine

If not medically suppressed-has a detectable viral load & during vaginal or anal sex, Did not disclose HIV status & Did transmit HIV & Did or Did not intend to transmit HIV, then 4 year felony

If not medically suppressed-has a detectable viral load & during vaginal or anal sex, Did not disclose HIV status & Transmitted HIV & Intended to transmit HIV, then 4 year felony

If medically suppressed & during vaginal or anal sex, Did not disclose HIV status & Did not transmit HIV & Intended to transmit HIV, then 1 year misdemeanor and or $1,000 fine

If medically suppressed & during vaginal or anal sex, Did not disclose HIV status & Did not transmit HIV & Did not intend to transmit HIV, Cannot be prosecuted