Tag: AIDS

*  Fatigue. Weight loss.

*  Swollen glands.

*  Fever and sweating. These occur often.

*  Skin rashes that persist. Flaky skin.

*  Getting sick often.

*  Short-term memory loss.

*  Infections. These include herpes, shingles, and yeast infections.

*  Chronic vaginal yeast infections.

*  Abnormal Pap test from HPV exposure in the past.

*  Cervical cancer.

*  Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

*  Some sexually transmitted infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV). {Note: HPV can be present without HIV. Testing confirms its presence.}

*  Extreme fatigue. Weight loss.

*  Severe and chronic diarrhea.

*  Fever. Severe headaches.

*  Shortness of breath. Coughing. A hard time swallowing.

*  Abdominal cramps. Nausea. Vomiting.

*  Lack of coordination. Vision loss.

*  Mental status changes.

*  Seizures. Coma.

– When drunk or high. (Judgement is impaired.)

– With multiple or casual sex partners or with a partner who has had multiple sex partners.

– With a partner who has used drugs by  injection or is a bisexual male.

– When you or your partner has signs and symptoms of a genital tract infection.

*  Sharing needles and/or “the works” when injecting any kind of drugs.

*  Having had blood transfusions, especially before 1985, unless tested negative for HIV.

*  Prolonged, open-mouth kissing with a person infected with HIV.

*  Donating blood.

*  Casual contact, such as touching, holding hands, hugging, and dry kissing.

*  A cough, sneeze, tears, or sweat.

*  An animal or insect bite.

*  A toilet seat. Using a hot tub or swimming.

*  Medications. Multi-drug combinations are used.

*  Measures to reduce the risk of infections and diseases (e.g., rest, proper nutrition, and vitamin supplements, as advised).

*  Emotional support.

*  Medical treatment for infections and chronic problems.

*  Unless you are in a monogamous relationship in which you and your partner are HIV free, use male latex or polyurethane condoms every time you have sex.

*  Don’t have sex with people who are at high risk for HIV. These are:

– Persons with multiple sex partners.

– Persons who inject illegal drugs.

– Partners of persons infected or exposed to HIV.

– Persons who have had multiple blood transfusions, especially before 1985, unless tested negative for HIV.

*  Ask specific questions about your partner’s sexual past (e.g., have they had many partners or unprotected (no condom) sex?). Ask if they have been tested for HIV and if the results were positive or negative. Be aware, though, that the response may not be an honest one. You need to protect yourself! Get tested for HIV. Ask your partner to get tested, too. If you have been exposed to HIV, use prevention measures or avoid sex until you get tested for it.

*  If you’ve had sex with someone you suspect is HIV positive, see your doctor.

*  Don’t share needles with anyone. This includes illegal drugs, such as heroin, as well as, steroids, insulin, etc.

*  Don’t share personal items that have blood on them, such as razors.

*  Plan ahead for safer sex. Decide what you’ll say and be willing to do ahead of time with a potential sex partner.

*  Keep a supply of condoms handy (e.g., in your purse, by the bed, in your pocket, etc.). Know the correct way to use them. Putting the condom on your partner can be a part of foreplay.

*  Don’t have sex when your judgement is impaired, such as while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

*  Avoid sex if either partner has signs and symptoms of a genital tract infection.