Definitions HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus): attacks immune system and kills T & CD4 cells AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) requires: Opportunistic infection: takes advantage of weak immune system; common opportunistic infections include thrush, TB, and pneumonia Less than 200 T-cells Statistics - people currently living with HIV/AIDS International: 33.2 million United States: 1 - 1.2 million people Massachusetts: 15,966 people Transmission Female to fetus/child IV drug use Sex; anal sex is the riskiest followed by vaginal, oral, and digital (using fingers & toes) Protection Latex condoms are the only FDA approved method of protecting against HIV transmission Polyurethane female condoms, dental dams, and male condoms are approved by the World Health Organization and by the UN Condoms from other materials are better than no barrier method of protection; you can make your own dental dam from a male condom, latex glove, or nonmicrowaveable saran wrap

Testing Anonymous and confidential testing Anonymous testing: you are assigned a number and nobody can connect you with the test Confidential testing: only person performing the test can connect you with the test, but your fluids are assigned a number before sent to a lab; the clinician who can connect you with the test is bound by confidentiality laws Types of tests Tests for actual virus? must wait 1.5-2 weeks from date of potential exposure Nearly all tests test for antibodies? must wait 3-6 months from date of potential exposure Rapid testing Test done by either finger prick or oral swab Results in 10-40 minutes "Un-reactive" result means test is negative "Reactive" result is a preliminary positive and must be confirmed by another test, either through blood or RNA testing Home testing Collect your own sample and send to lab Only 1 home test is FDA approved: Home Access collection kit Testing at Health Services Confidential testing with Dr. Britto For testing appointment, call to make 30 minute confidential appointment with Dr. Britto She will talk to you about your concerns and if you're unsure, will help you decide if you want to be tested She'll collect blood, assign your blood a number that only she knows, and then send your blood with the number attached In 2 weeks, you'll have another appointment with her when the results are in $25 dollars in cash or check (cash is more confidential) Some other nearby testing options (go to www.hivtest.org and enter zip code) Planned Parenthood (offers anonymous and confidential, rapid testing, free) Children's Hospital in Boston (offers free, anonymous and confidential, rapid testing) Fenway Community Health Center (offers free, anonymous & confidential, oral) Boston Medical Center (offers free, anonymous & confidential, oral, rapid) Latin American Health Institute (offers free, confidential, oral, rapid) What if I'm positive? Varies by state. In Massachusetts, preliminary positive is not reported but a doctor's diagnosis is reported to the Massachusetts Department of Health, not the federal government Antiretroviral (ARV) drug therapy can be started as soon as possible ARVs prolong life by decades, and people with HIV still live long and fulfilling lives Counseling and support groups are available, and highly recommended **Note: If you think you have been exposed to HIV through blood, needle, or sexual assault, etc. you can begin a regimen of what is called post-sexual assault prophylaxis which significantly decreases the rate of transmission**