HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing Sites in Jacksonville, Fl. Now also includes Baker, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns Counties Information

What is HIV?

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV damages the body's immune system. The immune system protects the body from disease. People who have HIV are said to have HIV-infection or be HIV-positive. HIV is a disease with many stages. An HIV-positive person can range from being very healthy to being very sick.

What is AIDS?

AIDS is the stage of HIV disease when the immune system gets very weak. When this happens, other diseases and infections can enter the body. People can have HIV for years without getting sick. They may look and feel healthy. They may not even know they are infected. But people with HIV can pass the virus to their sex partners or to someone they share a needle with. A pregnant woman with HIV can pass the virus to her baby.

Is There a Cure or Treatment?

There is no cure for HIV or AIDS. But there are treatments that can help people stay healthy longer. HIV infection can be prevented.

How Do People Get HIV?

HIV is in the blood, semen or vaginal fluids of someone with HIV infection. You can get HIV if: You have sex, heterosexual or homosexual, with someone who has HIV. You share needles and works to inject drugs. You share needles to inject steroids or needles used for tattoos or piercing. HIV can be passed from a mother to the fetus in her womb. HIV can be passed to the baby during birth or breastfeeding.

You can't get HIV from: Donating blood. Casual contact such as hugging, dry kissing, or sharing food. Telephones, toilet seats, towels, or eating utensils. Tears, saliva, sweat, or urine.

Who is at Risk?

It is not who you are but what you do that puts you at risk. Anyone who has sex or shares needles with an HIV-infected person can get HIV. You are at risk if: You have shared needles to inject drugs, steroids, or for tattooing or piercing. You have ever had sex, heterosexual or homosexual, with an injection drug user. You have had many sex partners, or have had sex with someone who has. You are, or have ever been, a sex partner, heterosexual or homosexual, of someone with HIV or someone at risk for HIV infection. You have ever been sexually assaulted. You have ever had a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

How is HIV Infection Prevented?

You can help protect yourself from HIV: The best way to prevent sexual transmissions is not to have sex. Having sex only with a lifetime partner who is not infected is safe. You can have sex that does not put you in contact with someone else's blood, semen or vaginal fluids. Use a new latex condom and a water-based lubricant every time you have vaginal or anal sex. Don't use oil-based lubricants. Oils in hand lotion, massage oils, Vaseline, etc. can cause the condom to leak or break. Some people use lubricants with spermicides, like nonoxynol-9. Don't use these if you are allergic to them. For oral sex on a woman, or on a man's or woman's anus, use a new latex barrier each time. This can be a dental dam or a latex condom cut and rolled out flat. For oral sex on a man use a new condom every time. Never share sex toys. If you do share, wash them well and cover them with a new condom each time. To prevent contact with cuts or sores on the hands, you may want to wear latex gloves during sex. Don't inject drugs. If you do, never share needles or works. If you do share works, clean them before and after each use. Wash the syringe 3 times with water, 3 times with straight bleach and 3 times again with clean water. Remember that alcohol and other drugs affect your judgement. Using them may lead to unsafe sex or injection drug use.

What are the Symptoms of HIV Infection?

Many of the symptoms of HIV can also be symptoms of other illness or infections. See a doctor if any of these symptoms persist: Unexplained weight loss greater than 10 pounds. Recurring fever and/or drenching night sweats. Unexplained tiredness. Diarrhea. Swollen glands, usually in the neck, armpits, or groin. Unexplained dry cough. White spots or unusual sores on the tongue or mouth.

Special concerns for women: Women with yeast infections that don't go away, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), genital warts, ovarian or cervical disease, or abnormal pap smears should ask about HIV testing.

What is the HIV Antibody Test?

The HIV antibody test tells if a person is infected with HIV. The test looks for antibodies to HIV in the blood. The test does not tell if you have AIDS or if you will develop AIDS in the future. The sooner people are tested, the sooner those who are HIV-positive can begin health practices and treatment that can slow the progress of the disease and keep them healthy. A pregnant woman with HIV can take medicines to reduce the baby's risk of getting HIV. State and local health departments, AIDS organizations or private doctors can give the test. Most areas offer free and anonymous testing and counseling. This means you do not give your name. Your test result will be reported only to you.

Consider taking the test if: You think you, your sex partner or someone you share needles with might be at risk. You are pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant.

If you have specific questions or want more information on HIV/AIDS, call Boulevard Comprehensive Care Center  the  at (904) 665-3130.  

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