HIV/AIDS Frequently Asked Questions
What is HIV? What is AIDS? How are HIV and AIDS related? HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV weakens the body's immune system which protects the body from diseases. When someone has HIV, their weak immune system makes it easy for them to contract other diseases and infections. The last stage of HIV disease is called AIDS.
Where can I get a free HIV test? Free, anonymous (no name used) or confidential HIV testing is available at many places. Call CHOICE at 215-985-3300 for information on testing sites in your area. If you live outside Pennsylvania, you can call the National AIDS Hotline (800-342-AIDS).
Is the OraSure HIV test as accurate as the blood test? Yes, the OraSure test is considered more than 99% accurate. OraSure test determines the presence of HIV antibodies in tissue from the cheek and gum inside the mouth. It is not a saliva test.
Does the OraSure HIV test hurt? No. The OraSure has to stay in your mouth for 2-5 minutes which might be uncomfortable, but it should not hurt.
When is the best time to take an HIV test? HIV test checks for the presence of antibodies that a person produces when they become infected with HIV. If you are concerned about a specific incident that may have put you at risk, it is recommended that you wait 3-6 months to be tested in order to be sure that the test is accurate.
Can you get HIV from oral sex? Yes, it is possible. HIV is transmitted through four bodily fluids: blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. If any of these fluids enters a person's mouth or throat through a cut or tear, transmission is possible. However, oral sex is considered a low risk behavior for HIV transmission. In order to reduce the risk of HIV through oral sex, many people use condoms and dental dams.
Can you get HIV from saliva? No. HIV is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It is not transmitted through saliva, sweat, tears, or urine.
Can you get HIV from kissing? It would be extremely unlikely to get HIV from kissing, even open-mouth deep kissing. HIV is transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk and these fluids are not usually present during kissing.
What are the symptoms of HIV? It is possible for someone to have HIV and not to know they are infected because they have no symptoms. Some people (50-80%) will experience some initial symptoms about 1-6 weeks after infection. This is called Primary HIV Infection and can include flu-like symptoms such as fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, rash, joint pain, diarrhea, headache, nausea, and fatigue. All of these symptoms are very vague and can be caused by many other illnesses besides HIV. The only way to know whether you are HIV positive is to be tested. However, it is important to remember that an person's test may not be accurate during this initial period because they may be in the 3-6 month window period.