What You Need to Know About HIV

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get AIDS from drinking from the same glass or eating from the same dish as a person with AIDS (PWA)?

No. Studies document that in households where a Person With AIDS (PWA) resides, family members who use the same utensils for eating show no signs of infections. The virus does not survive well outside the body, and is killed by the detergents and hot water used during normal dish washing.

Can I get HIV/AIDS from using the drinking fountain or telephone?

No. HIV/AIDS is not transmitted through air, food or water or by touching any object handled, touched, or breathed upon by a PWA. HIV/AIDS cannot be acquired from public restroosm, drinking fountains or telephones.

You say that semen, blood and mother-to-fetus are the documented modes of transmission. What about saliva, tears, sweat and urine?

Saliva: A study done at Massachusetts General Hospital in 1985 disclosed of 85 saliva samples taken from men who tested positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) antibody (some with a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS) one saliva sample tested positive for HIV, but did not contain enough viral material to cause infection. Further studies reveal that we produce, in the mucosa of the mouth and in the saliva, an HIV inhibitory agent.

Tears: A similar study was conducted to measure the HIV content of tears. The results determined that the virus could be isolated, but not in concentrations high enough to cause infection.

Sweat: There are no recorded studies of viral material found in sweat.

Urine: HIV is found in urine, but no recorded studies document this as the mode of infection.

Can I get HIV/AIDS from eating in a restaurant where a waiter/waitress or cook has HIV/AIDS?

HIV/AIDS cannot be transmitted through the air or by handling food. The guidelines developed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) regarding HIV/AIDS and food service workers state that employees are always expected to observe strict health guidelines. They are to take proper precautions and wear gloves if they have an open wound which may cause food contamination.

Can I get HIV/AIDS by touching someone who has HIV/AIDS?

The modes of transmission are constant. Transmission is sexual (semen or cervical secretions to blood), parenteral (blood to blood), by sharing needles, and perinatal (blood to blood, mother to fetus). There is no evidence that HIV/AIDS is spread by any form of casual contact.

Can I isolate a person with AIDS to prevent the spread of the disease?

Medical opinion indicates that HIV/AIDS is spread only two ways: blood to blood and semen/cervical secretions to blood. It is not airborne and there not spread by casual contact. There is no logical reason to quarantine or isolate a PWA.

If I had a blood transfusion prior to the Spring of 1985, should I be concerned that I received contaminated blood?

Since the Spring of 1985, the blood supply in the United States has been screened for HIV to protect the nations blood supply. Prior to this period of time, contaminated units of blood did enter the blood supply and cause some recipients of blood transfusions to test positive for HIV antibodies. A person who received multiple transfusions is at greater risk than a person who received only one transfusion. If you believe you are at risk, you may wish to seek the advice of your physician.

If I donate blood, should I worry about becoming infected with HIV/AIDS?

No. Sterile needles are used to draw blood from each blood donor. After one use, this equipment is discarded.

What is the test used to determine if a person is positive for HIV?

The current HIV test - called the ELISA test - was developed in the Spring of 1985 to protect the national blood supply. All donated units of blood are currently tested for the presence of HIV. The test, though highly sensitive, was never intended to be a diagnostic tool. Consequently, a second antibody test was developed, the Western Blot. If a person's ELISA test is positive, the second test is conducted. REMEMBER: If an individual tests positive for the presence of HIV antibodies, it does not mean that the indvidual will develop AIDS. IT simply means that the individual, at some point in time, was exposed to and infected by the virus that causes AIDS.

Can I be antibody positive and healthy?

YES. It is possible for individuals to be antibody positive and healthy. For every three cases of AIDS, it is estimated there are ten cases of HIV-related symptoms, and many more cases of persons who are antibody positive without symptoms.

Where can I get tested?

In Los Angeles County, there are Alternative Testing Sites (ATS) and Confidential Testing Sites (CTS) available for HIV antibody testing where you may go for anonymous and confidential testing. You may also request that your private physician order the test for you. You may call the AIDS Hotline at 1-800-922-2437 for testing site locations.

How much does it cost?

In California, there is no fee at an Alternative Testing Site (ATS). Costs for the test vary at private physicians' office. You may be asked for a small donation at the Confidential Testing Sites (CTS).

How long does it take for antibodies to show up in my system after the intiial exposure to HIV?

Anywhere from two weeks to six months.

Because it takes from two weeks to six months for HIV antibodies to develop, if I test negative, how do I know I am really negative for HIV infection?

If from the time of testing an individual uses precautions during sexual activity (latex condoms with spermicide) or abstains from sexual activities, and avois sharing needles, when you rests in six months and the test result is negative, you can be assured of a true negative antibody status. You should always remember that a negative test result does not make you immune to HIV infection.

How can I keep from getting infected?

Education about HIV/AIDS is the KEY. HIV/AIDS is not a highly contagious disease and is not easy to catch. But, there is no cure at this time for HIV infection or AIDS. Abstinence from high risk activities is the only 100% effective way. However there are several things that can be done to reduce the risk of infecting yourself if you cannot abstain. If you are sexually active, research has shown that the use of a latex condom helps to reduce the risk, although it is not 100% effective. To help to prevent the latex condom from breaking, use a water based lubcricant (non-petroleum). Also, use a spermicide containing nonoxynol-9, which in laboratory studies have killed the virus. Do not share needles. If needles must be re-used, as in home heatlh care, they should be cleaned with a 100% belach and water. Bleach will kill the virus. Remember that HIV is transmitted through four primary body fluids: blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and mother's breast milk. Avoid activities where there is an opportunity for these fliuds from an infected person can enter your blood stream.