What is HIV? HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, damages a
person's body by destroying specific blood cells which are
crucial to help the body fight disease. HIV, if left untreated,
can develop into AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, a
stage of HIV infection where a person's immune system is
severely damaged and has difficulty fighting disease and certain
cancers. How is HIV not spread? HIV is not spread by saliva,
kissing, shaking hands or sharing utensils. It is not spread
through insect bites, air or water. How is it spread? HIV is
transmitted through sex with either a man or woman without the
use of condoms. HIV can also be spread through using IV drugs or
having a partner who uses IV drugs. Pregnant women can pass HIV
to their baby by pregnancy or through breastfeeding. Getting
tattoos or body piercing does present a potential risk if
obtained from an unlicensed facility or in an unsterile way.
Everyone between the age of 13 and 64 should be tested at least
once in their lifetime, even if yo