Questions and Answers on HIV/AIDS

Home » HIV/AIDS Questions & Answers

What is AIDS and HIV?

AIDS--Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome--is caused by HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV weakens your body's immune system, making it less able to fight against diseases and infections. HIV passes from one person to another through contact with the bodily fluids of someone infected with the virus. Most often, the virus spreads through oral, vaginal, or anal sex during which a condom is not used, or by sharing a needle. Mothers can pass the virus on to their babies during pregnancy or birth or by breast-feeding.

It's not a "gay thing." Many persons who become infected are heterosexual. In a recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more females than males ages 13-19 tested positive for HIV.1 The most common source of infection for females of all ages is heterosexual sex.2

Using alcohol and drugs increases your risk. Alcohol and drugs affect your judgment and lower your inhibitions. As a result, drinking or taking drugs can lead you to take risks you are less likely to take when sober, such as having unprotected sex.

Q. Can you get HIV/AIDS from casual contact with an infected person or their stuff?

A. No. HIV/AIDS is not spread through sweat, tears, or saliva. The body fluids that have been shown to contain high concentrations of HIV include blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, and other body fluids containing blood.

Q. If you already have HIV, does it really matter if you drink or use drugs?

A. Yes. Not using tobacco, alcohol, or drugs improves your chances of staying healthy longer. Use of any of these substances can cause other health problems, interfere with your treatment medications, or both.

Q. Who is most likely to get HIV/ AIDS?

A. Anyone who has unprotected sex, shares a needle, or exchanges blood with an infected person is at risk. HIV is a virus. AIDS is a disease. Viruses do not care about age, race, gender, or sexual orientation.

How can you tell if you or someone else may already have HIV?

If you have not had unprotected sex or shared a needle, it is very unlikely that you have HIV.

The only way to know if you are infected is to be tested.

The following may be warning signs of HIV infection:

• Weight loss
• Frequent fevers and sweats
• Lack of energy
• Swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
• Persistent skin rashes
• Severe herpes infections that cause mouth, genital, or anal sores
• Short-term memory loss

No one should assume they are infected if they have these symptoms. Any of these symptoms can be related to other illnesses. Again, the only way to find out if you are infected with HIV is to be tested.

What can you do to help someone whose substance abuse problem is putting them at risk for HIV/AIDS? Be a real friend. You might even save a life. Encourage your friend to stop using substances or seek professional help.

For information and referrals for substance abuse problems,
call HelpLine at 800.273.4558 or 305.296.4357.

For information on HIV/AIDS and FREE HIV TESTING
call AIDS Help at 305.296.6196.
view testing locations and times

To learn more about HIV/AIDS or obtain referrals to programs in your community,
contact one of the following toll-free numbers:

SAMHSA’s National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information
800-729-6686
TDD 800-487-4889
linea gratis en español
877-767-8432

The bottom line: If you know someone who is risking exposure to HIV/AIDS, urge him or her to stop. If your behavior places you at risk of an HIV/AIDS infection--STOP!

If you have already placed yourself at risk, get tested and follow your doctor's instructions. The longer you ignore the real facts, the more chances you take with your life. Talk to your parents, a doctor, a counselor, a friend, or another adult you trust.

You also can call the CDC National AIDS Hotline at 800-342-2437 for more information.

Do it today--it's your life.

Helpful Links

• Florida Keys Outreach Coalition for the Homeless (FKOC)
• Samuels House
• Wesley House Family Services
• Monroe County REMARCable Citizens (MARC House)
• HELPLINE
• Guidance Clinic of the Middle Keys
• Care Center for Mental Health
• 12-Step Programs
• Social Security Administration
• Driver's License & ID's
• Rural Health Network of Monroe County, FL, Inc
• Southernmost Homeless Assistance League, Inc. (SHAL
• National Institute on Drug Abuse
• Health Resources and Services Administration
• Monroe County Sheriff's Office
• Key West Police Department
• The Village (Mental Health/Substance Abuse Services)
• WestCare (Mental Health/Substance Abuse Services)
• Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged
• Key West Transportation
• Monroe County Transit
• Lower Keys Shuttle
• Florida Department of Veteran Affairs
• National Hurricane Center