HIV impedes the proper functioning of the immune system which is our body's shield against disease. Individuals with the virus develop harmful conditions (called opportunistic infections) that don't usually affect other people. Some people develop symptoms shortly after being infected. For others it can take more than 10 years.

No. The test for HIV can only tell you if you have been infected or not. Transmission of the virus does not necessarily occur every time exposure occurs. The only way for an individual to tell if he/she has been infected with HIV is to be tested. If you are unsure of your partner's status, you may want to consider talking to him/her about it and using protection (latex condoms or dental dams) to reduce your risk.

The first documented cases of AIDS was on the 5th of June 1981, in the USA, and five people were affected with the disease. However there were reported (but not documented) cases of occurrence of HIV in 1959, But not much information was gathered on the later event. REF: FIRST OUTBREAK OF AIDS

Averagely, it takes ten years for an HIV + positive person to develop the disease condition known as AIDS. However the years may be lower or higher depending on the treatment and care such patient receives. REF: Symptoms of AIDS

When you become infected with HIV, the virus attacks your CD4 lymphocytes (also called T helper or T4 cells), a type of white blood cell that is responsible for fighting certain infections (germs). ( See figure 1) The virus first attaches to the CD4 cell (1) and injects its genetic material (RNA). The RNA then instructs the CD4 cell to produce more of the virus (2). These new viruses (virions) are then released into the bloodstream (3) and the CD4 cell is destroyed.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus, the AIDS virus) helps TB germs make you sick by attacking the germ fighters in your body. If you are infected with HIV and with TB germs, you have a very big chance of getting TB disease. The TB germs are much more likely to attack your lungs and other parts of the body. You can be cured, but it takes longer to cure someone with TB disease who also has HIV infection. If you think you might have HIV infection, talk to your doctor about getting an HIV test.

According to the CDC, prior to 1996, scientists estimated that about half the people with HIV would develop AIDS within 10 years after becoming infected. This time varied greatly from person to person and depended on many factors, including a person's health status and their health-related behaviors. Since 1996, the introduction of powerful anti-retroviral therapies has dramatically changed the progression time between HIV infection and the development of AIDS.

Around 90% of children contract the virus by mother to baby transmission. Children can also be infected via blood/blood products if these are not screened for HIV and by contaminated needles. Mother to baby transmission only accounts for about 2% of total HIV infections.

Plan to spend about 20 to 30 minutes with the counselor. The counselor will talk with you about risks, how HIV is passed from one person to another, what the test is looking for, and when the test results are ready. If you have questions, the counselor will answer them.

Currently there are medications and medical interventions that can reduce the risk of transmission of HIV from mother to child. A large percentage of infected infants become infected late in pregnancy or during delivery, so getting tested and starting treatment early in pregnancy can reduce the risk of a HIV-infected mother transmitting the disease to her unborn child and slow down the progression of HIV disease in the mother.

HIV test looks for the presence of HIV antibodies in the blood. These may only be detected several weeks after initial infection, hence the 'window period', during which a person may be infected with HIV but still test negative for the virus. These centres also provide important psychological and counselling services before and after the test. Take advantage of the services available around Botswana where you can get tested and supplied with the results the same day.

Since 1992, scientists have estimated that about half the people with HIV develop AIDS within 10 years after becoming infected. This time varies greatly from person to person and can depend on many factors, including a person's health status and their health-related behaviors. Today there are medical treatments that can slow down the rate at which HIV weakens the immune system.

You have been infected with HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the germ which causes AIDS. It does not necessarily mean you have full blown AIDS at this time. A positive test means that the virus has entered your body through blood, semen or vaginal secretions and that you can spread HIV to others, even if you have no symptoms.

The UHC currently prescribes and dispenses ECP's. If you are not currently enrolled or out of the area, please call 1-888-NOT-2-LATE or visit http://ec.princeton.edu/ The Health Center provides urine pregnancy testing for $6. Call 540.568.6178 to schedule a time for the test and results. The test is processed in-house and results available at the time of the initial visit. Students are provided counseling and decision making information.

Confidential HIV testing is done in the Nurse's Clinic at SHS on a walk in basis Mon-Fri 8-11:30am, except Wed 9-11:30am and every afternoon from 2:00-3:30pm. Check in at the front Registration desk and request "Counseling". This testing is confidential and the results are not released without your specific written consent. Confidential HIV testing is free for students enrolled in SHIP, and $17.79 for those without SHIP.