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Peer Education Program
HIV/AIDS
What is
HIV?
Human
Immunodeficiency Virus
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS.
HIV is a viral STD, which means there are no cures for this
infection.
How could one get infected with
HIV?
Through the transmission of infected blood,
semen, vaginal discharge or breastmilk.
HIV is NOT transmitted through hugging, kissing or touching.
What is AIDS?
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Acquired- the disease is not hereditary, but develops when
in contact with HIV
Immunodeficiency- the disease is characterized by a
weakening of the immune system
Syndrome- refers to a group of symptoms
How
does HIV cause AIDS?
HIV destroys a certain kind of blood cells (CD4+ T cells),
which is crucial to the normal function of the human immune system.
Studies of thousands of people have revealed that most
people infected with HIV carry the virus for years before
enough damage is done to the immune system for AIDS to
develop.
How do I
know if I'm infected with HIV?
It's hard to
tell. HIV's symptoms are similar to many other illnesses.
The only sure way to tell is to be tested.
Which HIV tests are in the area?
OraQuick Advance- rapid HIV test. Not a blood
sample, but a saliva sample. Results received in 20 minutes.
Confidential testing. $40 (or may be negotiable) at Eastern
Maine AIDS Network (see information below)
Where can I get tested?
Eastern Maine AIDS Network
Sliding Scale for Fees
370 Harlow Street, Bangor, Maine
(207) 990-3636 or (800) 429-1481
Cutler Health Center
UMaine campus
$50- shows up on student bill as "Cutler Health Services
visit"
Every Wednesday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Appointments preferred
If I test HIV-negative does that
mean my partner is also HIV-negative?
No. Your HIV test results are only your
results. Your partner should be tested also.
http://www.cdc.gov/nchstp/dstd/disease_info.htm
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