HIV/ AIDS Awareness Month

The month of December marks national HIV/ AIDS Awareness Month!

Dec. 1st is also World AIDS Day!

This is done to raise awareness, encourage testing and break the stigma around HIV/ AIDS.

What is HIV?

According to the CDC, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), is a virus that attacks one’s immune system. If left untreated, this can lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Once a person is diagnosed with HIV, they will have it forever, but fortunately, there are treatments to help make living with HIV manageable. 

What are the Symptoms?

According to the CDC, symptoms to look out for are:

• Flu-like symptoms within 2-4 weeks after infection. These can last a few days or several weeks.

• Sore throat

• Fever

• Swollen Lymph Nodes

• Rash

• Muscle Aches

• Fatique

• Chills

• Mouth Ulcers

• Some people experience no symptoms

There are self-test kits as well as in-person testing sites. 

HIV can be transmitted by sexual contact, sharing needles or during pregnancy (birth or breastfeeding). 

How can you protect yourself?

The CDC advises these methods for protection:

• Condoms

• Getting tested 

• Avoid oral sex

• Don’t use needles for drugs