HIV/AIDS

Definitions

HIV
The Human Immunodeficiency Virus gradually breaks down a person’s immune system. This usally takes many years. Some people who have HIV do not even know it. Although they may look and feel fine, they can pass the virus on to others.

IMMUNE SYSTEM
The body’s natural defense against infections.

ANTIBODIES
The Immune System makes these when a germ enters the body.

AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, happens when an HIV positive person’s T-Cells drop below 200 and/or they have an Opportunistic Infection.

OPPORTUNISTIC INFECTIONS
A disease or condition that can affect an HIV positive person, such as Kaposis Sarcoma, or Pneumocystic Carinii Pneumonia

How HIV Is Transmitted

HIV is passed from an infected person when their blood, semen, vaginal fluids, pre-cum, or breast milk enters another person's body.

The most common behaviors where these body fluids are passed from one person to another are:

Unprotected sex: Oral, anal or vaginal sex without a latex barrier (condom, female condom, or dental dam).

Unsterilized needles: Drugs, tattoos, steroids, body piercing.

Mother to Fetus/Baby: During pregnancy or while breast feeding.

Blood Transfusion: Receiving transfusions of blood and blood products donated by someone who has HIV. (Predominantly before 1985.)

Getting Tested

Many people avoid getting tested for HIV because they believe that being HIV positive means that your life is over. HIV/AIDS is not a death sentence. The reality is that most people with HIV/AIDS go on to live long, productive and fulfilling lives. People who test positive have many different reactions: fear, depression, anxiety, sadness. If you test positive, you will need support.

WHAT IS AN HIV ANTIBODY TEST?

The HIV antibody test is a test to find out if you have been infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Your blood is tested for HIV antibodies, the substance your body produces when you have been infected with HIV. The HIV test is not a test for AIDS.

An HIV positive result means you have antibodies to HIV and therefore HIV is in the blood. It does not tell you when or by whom you were infected or how healthy your immune system is.

An HIV negative result either means that you are not infected or that your body hasn't developed antibodies yet. HIV antibodies can take six months to show up in the blood. Testing negative does not mean that you are immune to (will never get) HIV. If you test negative and have been at risk in the past six months, you may want to take the test again.

WHERE CAN I GET AN HIV TEST?

HIV testing is provided at both anonymous and confidential test sites.

At anonymous test sites you use a code instead of your name, which prevents you from being identified. The health department runs anonymous testing. You can make an appointment by calling the New York City Department of Health AIDS Hotline at (800) TALK - HIV

At confidential test sites your test results are kept in a medical record which has your name on it. Private doctors and health centers usually offer confidential HIV testing. Confidential HIV testing is offered at the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center.

CONFIDENTIAL HIV COUNSELING AND
TESTING AT THE ADOLESCENT HEALTH CENTER

Pre-test counseling can help you learn more about HIV, what the test is like, how to use protection and gives you a chance to ask questions. It also can help you decide whether testing is the right choice for you.

Waiting for test results can be stressful. If you are feeling anxious or concerned, tell your HIV counselor and find a supportive family member or friend. If your result is negative you can learn more about HIV, how it is transmitted and how you can protect yourself. If you test positive, the Adolescent Health Center will help you develop a plan of action so you can obtain the services and support you need.

"Knowledge = Power. If you don't know your HIV status, it's difficult to make educated decisions. If you are negative, knowing can help motivate you to stay negative. If you are positive, the earlier you know, the earlier you can make the changes necessary to stay healthy living with HIV." - Dr. Daniel Medeiros, Adolescent Health Center

Living with HIV/AIDS

I'm a 21-year-old female born with HIV. I was diagnosed at age 12. All I knew was I had to keep it a secret. I never talked about it with anyone. I was afraid I was going to lose my friends. Finally, I met a lot of peers like myself. It felt good to be able to talk about it and not be afraid. I learned how to respect other people and understood my illness more. I became a better person. Now I am able to teach others about the virus. My current boyfriend is not HIV positive, and he loves me and accepts me for what I am and what I have. I feel that if you want something, you have to go after it and be honest. In due time you will get what you want. This is my life and I learned to love myself. I have accepted what I have andnow I have everything I've ever wanted: friends and loved ones. You can, too. - Sunshine, age 21

Lots of people are living with HIV/AIDS. Some of them have known for years; others may have just found out, and some may not even know. Someone who is HIV positive or has AIDS has the same potential, like anyone else to live a healthy and happy life. There are many challenges that come with living with HIV/AIDS, and there are many people, resources and organizations you can turn to.

CLINICS AND DOCTORS CAN HELP YOU LOOK AT:

Treatment options
Medications
Nutrition
Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, yoga, and meditation

COUNSELORS AND SUPPORT GROUPS CAN HELP YOU EXPLORE:

How to deal with your feelings
When and how to tell people that your HIV positive
How to cope with discrimination
How to be intimate with a partner
Making life goals and future plans

Bereavement:
Dealing With Grief

"I remember what went through my mind when my father told me: "Is he serious? How? Who? What? Why?" I was only 14, and this thing was pretty new to me. It was something I didn't know much about and it had never hit home before. I didn't want to accept it at first but had no choice in the end. "My father has HIV." Four words that I was not able to deal with or understand. He told me about the disease and how it could be transmitted. At first I was very scared. I remember him telling me that, no matter what, he loved me. Before then I never thought about losing my father. This was my wake-up call. My father passed away when I was 16. I try as hard as I can to help people realize that HIV and AIDS are out there and are very, very real."- Michael, SPEEK Peer Educator, age 18

Many people have lost friends and family to AIDS. We often focus on the person who has HIV/AIDS and overlook ourselves. If someone you care about is HIV positive or has AIDS, you need to get help for yourself. Counseling and support groups can help you handle depression, anger and any other emotions that you may be feeling.

When a friend or family member dies, it can be hard to express your emotions. Since talking about AIDS can be difficult, it may be even harder to reach out for help. Still, the best way to deal with grief is to talk it out. You might feel angry, hurt, guilty, relieved, sad, confused, or helpless. You need to cope with your grief. Talk to someone about how you are feeling, whether it is a friend, a teacher, a family member or a counselor. They can help you express yourself and grow stronger. Coping with loss is a slow process. Don't expect to get over it quickly. Don't shut down, reach out.

"If you love somebody, tell them you love them before they're gone. When I was talking about my father two years ago, and he was still alive, my friend Melissa told me, "Appreciate him while he is here and tell him you love him." I did. I still don't feel it is enough, because now he's gone. No matter what, if you have someone that you love a lot, tell them that you love them. Don't let the time go by. I didn't know how real that was until it happened to me. Just always tell somebody that you love them, because when they're gone, it feels so empty without them."- Dorothy, SPEEK Peer educator, age 18