HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS. This virus is passed from one person to another through blood-to-blood and sexual contact. In addition, infected pregnant women can pass HIV to their baby during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through breast-feeding. People with HIV have what is called HIV infection. Most of these people will develop AIDS as a result of their HIV infection.
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HIV transmission can occur when blood, semen (including pre-seminal fluid or "pre-cum"), vaginal fluid, or breast milk from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person. HIV can enter the body through the anus or rectum, the vagina, the penis, the mouth, other mucous membranes (e.g., eyes or inside of the nose), cuts and sores or through a vein (e.g., injection drug use). Intact, healthy skin is an excellent barrier against HIV and other viruses and bacteria.
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Although no sexual act is 100% safe, safer sex involves finding ways to be intimate while minimizing the risk of STD transmission. The most important safer sex principles are: * The only absolutely Safe Sex is abstinence from any behavior which exposes another person to bodily fluids. * Use barrier precautions (latex condoms) for anal and vaginal intercourse and oral sex. Use a water-based lubricant, oil based can destroy latex. A drop of lubricant inside the condom may increase sensitivity
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Please Take Note Of Updated Window Period As We Roll Out Our New Testing Device. Timeframe for Alere Determine™ HIV-1/2 Ag/Ab Combo ONLY: Antigen can be detected 14-15 days after infection (Acute Infection). Antigen and antibodies can both be detected 21-28 days after infection (Early Infection). Only antibodies will be detected after 28 days (Established Infection).
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If you test positive for HIV, the sooner you take steps to protect your health, the better. Early medical treatment and a healthy lifestyle can help you stay well. Prompt medical care may delay the onset of AIDS and prevent some life-threatening conditions. There are a number of important steps you can take immediately to protect your health:
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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are caused by infections that are passed from one person to another during sexual contact. These infections often do not cause any symptoms. Medically, infections are only called diseases when they cause symptoms. That is why STDs are also called "sexually transmitted infections." But it’s very common for people to use the terms "sexually transmitted diseases" or "STDs," even when there are no signs of disease.
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Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, is a way for people who do not have HIV but who are at substantial risk of getting it to prevent HIV infection by taking a pill every day.
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This HIV Risk Assessment is a quick and simple way to give you a sense of whether you should get an HIV test.
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All close contact (within 6 feet) with an infected person can expose you to the virus that causes coronavirus (COVID-19) — whether you're engaged in sexual activity or not.
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