Frequently Asked Questions

What are the symptoms of HIV?

The only way to know if you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection. You cannot rely on symptoms to know if you are infected with HIV. Many people who are infected with the HIV virus do not have any symptoms at all for many years. The following may be some warning signs of infection with HIV:

  • Rapid weight loss
  • Recurring fever or profuse night sweats
  • Swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
  • Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
  • Thrush
  • Depression, and possibly other neurological disorders

However, no one should assume that they are infected if any of these symptoms is present. Each of these symptoms is often related to other illnesses. Again, the only way to determine whether you are infected is to be tested for HIV infection.

What kind of HIV test do you use?

We offer two options for HIV screening:

  1. The third-generation ELISA (Enzyme Linked Immunoabsorbent Assay) test, which can be taken three months from the time of possible exposure.
  2. The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test, which can be taken 28 days after possible exposure.
How is HIV passed from one person to another?

HIV transmission can occur when blood, semen, or vaginal fluid from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person. HIV can enter the body through a vein (e.g., injection drug use), the lining of the anus or rectum, the lining of the vagina, mucous membranes, and possibly through cuts and sores. Intact, healthy skin is an excellent barrier against HIV and other viruses and bacteria.

The most common ways that HIV may transmit from one person to another:

  • By having unprotected sex (anal, vaginal and possibly oral) with an HIV-infected person
  • Sharing needles or injection equipment with an injection drug user who is infected with HIV
  • HIV also can be transmitted through receipt of infected blood
What is an STD?
STD stands for Sexually Transmitted Disease. This is a group of infections spread by sexual contact with an infected person. Herpes, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea, and Syphilis are examples of sexually transmitted diseases.
How do I know if I have an STD?

Many people have no symptoms, or are asymptomatic and could spread the infection to others without knowing it. Signs of an STD may include:

  • bumps, blisters sores in or around penis, vagina, anus, throat
  • pain or burning when you urinate
  • discharge from the penis or vagina
  • abdominal or pelvic pain
  • scratching or itching around the penis, vaginal opening or anus
Are STDs life threatening?
Most STDs are treatable and/or curable, however when left undetected STDs can, in the long term, lead to more serious medical conditions. For example, Chlamydia can usually be treated easily with antibiotics but, over time if left untreated can cause infertility in men and Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID) in women. Syphilis, if left untreated, can result in damage to the brain (neurosyphilis), other internal organs and possibly be fatal.