HIV/AIDS

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HIV Resources

The Basics

What is HIV/AIDS?

AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a chronic illness caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).  HIV is a virus that destroys the body’s ability to defend itself against disease by damaging the cells in your immune system. Because of this weakness in the immune system, the body becomes less able to fight off viruses, bacteria, and fungi that cause disease. As a result, certain cancers and infections take hold that would normally be resisted. Pneumonia and meningitis are two common illnesses that affect HIV sufferers.

AIDS describes the later stages of the HIV infection. When AIDS was first identified and recorded about 25 years ago, it was thought to affect only certain members of the population, such as homosexuals and intravenous drug users. This perspective turned out to be untrue, and celebrities like Magic Johnson brought AIDS to the forefront of public consciousness, showing the public that AIDS can affect anyone.

Symptoms
Often, people infected with HIV will experience flu-like symptoms between 2 and 6 weeks after becoming infected. Even if a person does not experience any symptoms, he or she can still transmit the virus to others. Some people do not recognize any symptoms for 10 years or more, but as the virus continues to break down the immune system, infections as well as chronic symptoms may result. Some examples of commonly acquired symptoms are:

• Swollen lymph nodes—often one of the first signs of HIV infection
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Cough and shortness of breath

In the final phase of HIV infection, which usually occurs about 10 or more years after the initial infection, symptoms will likely worsen. The official definition of full-blown AIDS was developed in 1993 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): the HIV infection must be present, an HIV-antibody test must be positive, and at least one of the following must be true:

• The development of an opportunistic infection—an infection that occurs when the immune system is impaired—such as Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia (PCP)
• A CD4 lymphocyte count of 200 or less (a normal count ranges from 600 to 1000)

By the time AIDS has developed, the immune system will have been severely damaged, making one susceptible to a number of infections that cause such symptoms as:

• Soaking night sweats, requiring sheets to be changed
• Shaking chills or fever higher than 100° F. for several weeks
• Dry cough and shortness of breath
• Chronic diarrhea
• Persistent white spots or unusual lesions on the tongue or in the mouth
• Blurred or distorted vision
• Weight loss
• Persistent, unexplained fatigue
• Swelling of lymph nodes for more than 3 months
• Persistent headaches

A positive HIV status also puts a person more at risk for certain cancers including cervical cancer, lymphoma, and Kaposi’s sarcoma.

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What causes HIV/AIDS?

CD4 lymphocyte cells, called T-cells, are white blood cells that coordinate with other immune cells to protect the body from infection. These lymphocytes are also the main targets of the HIV infection. HIV attaches to and enters the lymphocytes, then inserts its own genetic material into the lymphocytes and duplicates itself.

When the new copies of the virus leave the host cells, they enter the bloodstream and search for new cells to attack. At the same time, the old host cells and other CD4 cells die from the effects of the virus. The cycle continues to repeat itself. Over time, the number of vital CD4 cells in the body decreases. This leads to severe immune deficiency.

How is HIV transmitted?
Sexually: HIV is a sexually transmitted disease. This means that HIV is transmitted via vaginal, anal, or oral sex with an infected person if his/her blood, semen, or vaginal secretions enter another person’s body. The virus is present in semen and vaginal secretions of infected people. It can enter the body through tiny tears in the rectum, vagina, or mouth. If a person already has another sexually transmitted disease (STD), he or she is at a higher risk of developing HIV. Also, women who use the spermicide nonoxynol-9 also may be at heightened risk because the spermicide irritates the lining of the vagina and may cause tears that allow the virus to enter the bloodstream.

Blood transfusion: HIV may be transmitted through blood and blood products that are received during blood transfusions. This includes whole blood, packed red cells, fresh-frozen plasma, and platelets. American hospitals started screening blood supplies for HIV in 1985. This screening process has reduced the risk of acquiring HIV thorugh a blood transfusion.

Needles: HIV is readily transmitted by sharing needles with people who have infected blood. The best way to decrease this risk is to avoid the use of injected drugs. If this is not possible, injection paraphernalia should always be sterilized with household bleach; participation in a needle-exchange program is another option. Healthcare workers are also at risk, should they get a needlestick. However, the risk of contracting HIV in this manner depends on multiple factors. It is generally a good idea to wear gloves and use universal precautions as a healthcare worker.

Mother-to-Child: Each year, almost 600,000 infants are infected with HIV by their mothers during gestation, delivery, or breast-feeding. However, if women receive HIV treatment while they are pregnant, this likelihood is significantly reduced.

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HIV/AIDS and women: the statistics

• An estimated 38.6 million people are living with HIV.
• Nearly half of those living with HIV are women and girls between the ages of 15 and 24.
• In the US, more than 25% of new infections are in women.
• HIV/AIDS is one of the leading causes of death among African-American women aged 25 to 34.
• 25 Million people have died of AIDS since the epidemic began.
• Nearly 600,000 infants are infected with HIV each year.

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How does HIV/AIDS affect women differently?

Women represent one of the fastest growing populations infected with HIV in the US. Some factors that illustrate why women are susceptible to HIV are listed below:

• The female genitals comprise a more exposed surface area than the male genitals.
• There are higher levels of HIV in semen than there are in vaginal secretions.
• More semen is exchanged during sex than vaginal fluids.
• In some cultures women may feel uncomfortable discussing safe sex practices.
• Women tend to compromise their own care in order to give care to others. This has been proven in published research.
• Women have a greater risk of progressing to AIDS by 1.6 times than men.

Violence against women
Forced sex and violence against women contribute significantly to rates of HIV infection in women. The cuts caused by forced penetration make it easy for the infection to enter the bloodstream. In addition, women in abusive relationships may be afraid to go to their healthcare provider for fear of physical abuse if they test positive. If they are diagnosed, they may be afraid to get help for fear of physical abuse from their partners. There is a definite association between violence against women and HIV.

Obstacles to getting help
While women have won many battles in terms of gaining independence, women continue to lack sufficient resources to get the care they need. Worldwide, women have fewer financial resources, less access to transportation, and the added responsibility of caring for others, including children. Research has shown that women with HIV have less access to healthcare resources than men with HIV, and this translates to worse healthcare outcomes for women.  

HIV and African-American women
AIDS is one of the leading causes of death among African-American women ages 25 to 34 in the US, which may be the result of various factors:

• African-American women are at a much higher risk of developing certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that can increase the risk of acquiring HIV. For example, African-American women are 14 times as likely to get gonorrhea as are Caucasian women.
• One in four African-American women lived below the poverty line according to the 2000 US Census. There is a strong link between poverty and HIV because of poorer education and less access to health care.

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Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis

To test for the presence of HIV, the healthcare professional needs to check for antibodies to the virus in the blood. When HIV is present, the body makes antibodies, or disease-fighting proteins, to fight the virus. Instead of testing for the virus itself, the HIV test targets these antibodies.
 

• Blood test: This is the most common diagnostic test. Blood is taken and examined to see if the antibodies are present. Results may be available in a few days or up to 2 weeks later.
• Oral test: A pad is placed between the cheek and gum for a few minutes. The antibodies in the blood vessels of the mouth will be absorbed into the pad, which is observed in a lab; results take 5 to 7 days.
• Rapid tests: The purpose of these tests is to get results quickly. They are either administered orally or through the blood, and results are available in 20 minutes. Four of these tests have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
  
  
  • OraQuick
  • Reveal
  • Uni-Gold Recombigen
  • Multispot


These tests need to be verified if they show a positive result for HIV.  


• Home access test: This test can be taken at home by placing drops of blood on a card. The card is mailed to a lab, where it will be examined. This test takes 3 to 7 days. The only home test approved by the FDA is the Home Access Express HIV-1 Test System.
• Viral load test: The healthcare provider takes a blood sample and measures the amount of HIV in the blood.

There are many places to get tested: freestanding HIV testing centers, health departments, hospitals, private doctors’ offices, and clinics. To find a testing site in a specific area, call the CDC National AIDS hotline at 800-CDC-INFO (232-4636). Also, on routine visits to a clinician for an illness, injury, or pregnancy, he or she may offer you an HIV test.

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Treatment

Since the early 1980s, when HIV was first identified, treatments have vastly improved. In fact, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimate that antiretroviral medications have provided HIV-positive Americans with 3 million years of extended life. Still, there is no cure for AIDS, and the medications are very expensive. In addition, some people—about 40,000 in the US alone—develop resistance to the drugs after 20 years of treatment.

The decision to begin treatment may seem simple: of course, you want to fight the HIV virus in your body. But it may be a commitment to continue treatment for the rest of your life. Talk to your healthcare professional to find out if you are ready to begin treatment. If you decide to begin treatment, you will need to have a viral load test (to measure the amount of HIV in the blood) every 3 to 4 months and a CD4 count (to measure CD4 cells, or T-cells, in the blood) every 3 to 6 months. This will help your healthcare provider monitor your infection.

The US Department of Health and Human Services provides HIV treatment standards to professional healthcare workers and patients. These standards recommend that patients be medicated with a regimen that achieves suppression of symptoms as much as possible while maintaining quality of life for the patient. The regimen is called Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). Each person’s regimen is tailored to his or her needs. Factors that may affect the right treatment for you include:

• Whether you have resistance to certain drugs (identified by a drug resistance test)
• Number of pills you want/need to take
• How often pills must be taken
• If pills can be taken with food
• How medications interact with one another
• Other medications
• Other diseases or conditions
• Pregnancy

Common and available anti-HIV medications: Five classes of medications that limit HIV infection by inhibiting the growth and replication of the virus.

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Empower Yourself

Dealing with HIV/AIDS

Being diagnosed with a life-threatening disease is devastating. And because of the social implications that AIDS carries, it can be especially difficult. The financial, emotional, and social burdens of the disease can be hard on you and those closest to you. It is important, though, to realize that you are not alone, and there are many people who are infected with HIV who live high-quality lives. There is a wide range of services for people who are HIV-positive including access to social workers, counselors, and nurses who can help you. It’s important to talk to someone about how you are feeling, and it may help if that person is not emotionally invested in you. Some of the following suggestions may help you deal with the emotions of living with HIV/AIDS:

• Learn everything you can about the illness. Find out how it progresses and what your treatment options are.
• Be proactive. Even though you may feel exhausted or defeated, it’s important to continue doing the things you love. Stay active in your life.
• Keep a strong support system. Don’t shut people out of your life. You cannot carry the burden of this disease alone. While the law guarantees your right to privacy and you don’t have to tell anyone except current and former sexual partners about your disease, it is important to confide in people you trust. If your family and friends are having a hard time dealing with your illness, you may want to confide in a counselor or a support group.
• Eat healthful foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein will help keep you strong. Even though you may not always feel like eating, it is important to maintain a healthful diet to keep your immune system as strong as possible.
• Get immunizations. These may prevent infections such as pneumonia and the flu.
• Get exercise. Exercise helps increase your strength and keep your energy levels high. Also, regular exercise helps battle depression, a common side effect of dealing with HIV/AIDS.

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Frequently asked questions

Should I get tested?
The CDC recommends universal screening for all people ages 13 to 64, regardless of risk factors for HIV. Talk to a healthcare provider about a HIV testing schedule that is right for you.

If you have had sex with someone whose history of sex partners and/or drug use is unknown to you, or if you or your partner has had many sex partners, then you have more of a chance of being infected with HIV. Both you and your new partner should get tested for HIV and learn the results, before having sex for the first time.

For women who plan to become pregnant, testing is even more crucial. If a woman is infected with HIV, medical care and certain drugs given during pregnancy can lower the chance of passing HIV to her baby. All women who are pregnant should be tested during each pregnancy.

How long after a possible exposure should I wait to get tested for HIV?
Most HIV tests measure the antibodies your body makes against HIV. It can take some time for the immune system to produce enough antibodies for the antibody test to detect, and this time period can vary from person to person. This time period is commonly referred to as the “window period.” Most people will develop detectable antibodies within 2 to 8 weeks (the average is 25 days). Even so, there is a chance that some individuals will take longer to develop detectable antibodies. Therefore, if the initial negative HIV test was conducted within the first 3 months after possible exposure, repeat testing should be considered longer than 3 months after the exposure occurred to account for the possibility of a false-negative result. Ninety-seven percent will develop antibodies in the first 3 months following the time of their infection. In rare cases, it can take up to 6 months to develop antibodies to HIV.

Another type of test is an RNA test, which detects the HIV virus directly. The time between HIV infection and RNA detection is 9 to 11 days. These tests, which are more costly and used less often than antibody tests, are used in some parts of the US. However, if you are concerned about your HIV status, you should not delay testing. Instead, you can be tested immediately with another follow-up test several months later.

Where can I get tested for HIV infection?
Many places provide testing for HIV infection. Common testing locations include local health departments, clinics, offices of private doctors, hospitals, and other sites set up specifically to provide HIV testing. You can also ask your healthcare provider about getting tested, or for information on where to find an HIV testing site, visit the National HIV Testing Resources Web site at http://www.hivtest.org or call CDC-INFO 24 Hours/Day at 1-800-CDC-INFO (232-4636), 1-888-232-6348 (TTY), in English, en Español.

Between the time of a possible exposure and the receipt of test results, you should consider abstaining from sexual contact with others or use condoms and/or dental dams during all sexual encounters.

Where did HIV come from?
The earliest known case of HIV-1 in a human was from a blood sample collected in 1959 from a man in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. (How he became infected is not known.) Genetic analysis of this blood sample suggested that HIV-1 may have stemmed from a single virus in the late 1940s or early 1950s.

We know that the virus has existed in the US since at least the mid-to-late 1970s. From 1979 to 1981 rare types of pneumonia, cancer, and other illnesses were being reported by doctors in Los Angeles and New York among a number of male patients who had sex with other men. These were conditions not usually found in people with healthy immune systems.

In 1982 public health officials began to use the term “acquired immunodeficiency syndrome,” or AIDS, to describe the occurrences of opportunistic infections, Kaposi’s sarcoma (a kind of cancer), and Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia in previously healthy people. Formal tracking (surveillance) of AIDS cases began that year in the US.

In 1983, scientists discovered the virus that causes AIDS. The virus was at first named HTLV-III/LAV (human T-cell lymphotropic virus-type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus) by an international scientific committee. This name was later changed to HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

For many years, scientists investigated the origins of HIV and how it appeared in the human population, most believing that HIV originated in other primates. In 1999, an international team of researchers reported that they had discovered the origins of HIV-1, the predominant strain of HIV in the developed world. A subspecies of chimpanzees native to west equatorial Africa had been identified as the original source of the virus. The researchers believe that HIV-1 was introduced into the human population when hunters became exposed to infected blood.

For more information on this discovery, see the NIH National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases press release at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/newsroom/releases/hivorigin.htm.

How does HIV cause AIDS?
HIV destroys certain blood cells (CD4+ T-cells) that are crucial to the normal function of the human immune system. In fact, loss of these cells in people with HIV is an extremely powerful predictor of the development of AIDS. Studies of thousands of people have revealed that most people infected with HIV carry the virus for years before enough damage is done to the immune system for AIDS to develop. However, sensitive tests have shown a strong connection between the amount of HIV in the blood, also known as the “viral load,” the decline in CD4+ T-cells, and the development of AIDS. Reducing the amount of virus in the body with antiretroviral therapies can dramatically slow the destruction of a person’s immune system.

How well does HIV survive outside the body?
Scientists and medical authorities agree that HIV does not survive well outside the body, making the possibility of environmental transmission remote. HIV is found in varying concentrations or amounts in blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, saliva, and tears. To obtain data on the survival of HIV, laboratory studies have required the use of artificially high concentrations of laboratory-grown virus. Although these unnatural concentrations of HIV can be kept alive for days or even weeks under precisely controlled and limited laboratory conditions, CDC studies have shown that drying these high concentrations of HIV reduces the amount of infectious virus by 90% to 99% within several hours. Since the HIV concentrations used in laboratory studies are much higher than those actually found in blood or other specimens, drying of HIV-infected human blood or other body fluids reduces to zero the theoretical risk of environmental transmission. Incorrect interpretations of conclusions drawn from laboratory studies have in some instances caused unnecessary alarm. HIV is unable to reproduce outside its living host (unlike many bacteria or fungi, which may do so under suitable conditions), except under laboratory conditions; therefore, it does not spread or maintain infectiousness outside its host.

How effective are latex condoms in preventing HIV?
Latex condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective in preventing transmission of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. It should be noted, however, that condom use cannot provide absolute protection against HIV. The surest way to avoid transmission of HIV is to abstain from sexual intercourse or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and is uninfected.

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Glossary of HIV/AIDS terms

Acute infection: Any infection that begins suddenly, with intense or severe symptoms, is called acute. If the illness lasts more than a couple of weeks, it is called chronic.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome): A disease caused by a retrovirus, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), and characterized by failure of the immune system to protect against infections and certain cancers.

AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG): A set of about 50 research centers around the country where federally funded drug trials are conducted.

Amphotericin B: A drug used to treat fungal infections, including candidiasis (thrush).

Antibiotic: A drug used to combat bacterial infection by killing bacteria or slowing its growth.

Antibody: A substance in the blood formed in response to invading diseases such as viruses, fungi, bacteria, and parasites. Usually antibodies defend the body against invading disease agents, however, the HIV antibody does not give such protection.

Antibodies: Proteins produced by plasma cells in response to a specific foreign organism. These proteins in the blood tag, destroy, or neutralize bacteria, viruses, or other harmful toxins.

Antigen: An invading substance that may be the target of antibodies.

Antiviral: A substance that stops or suppresses the activity of a virus.

Antiretroviral: A treatment that may prevent HIV from damaging the immune system by inhibiting replication.

Asymptomatic: Having no signs or symptoms of a disease, yet able to transmit the causative agent.

AZT: See Zidovudine.

Bacteria: Microscopic organisms that can cause disease.

Bactrim: (trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole). Also known as Septra. An antibacterial agent used to treat Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia, among other diseases.

B-Cell: A white blood cell that makes antibodies against disease agents in the body.

Candidiasis: A fungal infection that occurs in several places in the body, including the mouth or throat (thrush), in the vagina, or on the skin; a common opportunistic infection in people with HIV.

CD4 (T4): A protein receptor embedded in the cell surface of T-lymphocytes, monocytes/macrophages, Langerhans’ cells, astrocytes, keratinocytes, and glial cells. HIV invades cells by first attaching to the CD4 receptor molecules.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Federal health agency that is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services; provides national health and safety guidelines and statistical data on AIDS and other diseases.

CMV (Cytomegalovirus): A virus related to the herpes family. CMV may occur without any symptoms or may result in mild flu-like symptoms. Severe infections can result in retinitis, hepatitis, mononucleosis, colitis, or pneumonia in persons with HIV. CMV is shed in body fluids such as urine, semen, saliva, feces, and sweat.

Cryptococcus: A fungal infection rarely seen in healthy persons but common in persons with HIV. It is acquired via the respiratory tract and characteristically spreads to the meninges (lining of the brain and spinal cord) and may also infect the kidneys and skin.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV): A virus related to the herpes family that can cause fever, fatigue, swollen lymph glands, aching, and a mild sore throat. In AIDS, CMV infections can produce hepatitis, pneumonia, retinitis, and colitis. It can sometimes lead to blindness, chronic diarrhea, and death.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid): A complex protein that carries genetic information. HIV can insert itself into the DNA molecules inside human cells and establish dormant infection.

ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay): A blood test used to detect the presence of antibodies to HIV; results that show the presence of HIV antibodies must be confirmed by the Western blot test before a person is considered to be HIV-infected. Has high degree of sensitivity (accurate for detecting true positive samples).

Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain, frequently caused by a viral infection.

Esophageal candidiasis: Serious fungal infection in the conduit between the mouth and the stomach (the esophagus).

Fungus: A general term used to denote a class of microbes including mushrooms, yeasts, and molds.

Herpes virus: A family of viruses that cause herpes simplex (cold sores), herpes zoster (shingles), Epstein-Barr (infectious mononucleosis), and cytomegalovirus. These viruses tend to occur in a severe form in an immunocompromised person, such as one with HIV.

Histoplasmosis: A fungal respiratory disease.

Immunocompetent: Capable of developing an immune response.

Immunocompromised: A state in which the body’s immune system defenses are lowered and the body is less able to resist infections and tumors.

Immunosuppressed: A state of the body in which the immune system defenses have been suppressed.

Kaposi’s sarcoma: A tumor of the blood-vessel wall or the lymphatic system, usually appearing as pink-to-purple painless spots on the skin but also sometimes occurring internally, in addition to or independent of, skin lesions. A form of skin cancer, recognized as raised non-tender red or purplish spots on the skin. It may also occur internally (for example, in the stomach and lungs) in addition to, or independent of, skin lesions.

Leukocytes: All white blood cells.

Lymph nodes: A collection of tissue that contain T-cells and B-cells, essential to the function of the immune system.

Macrophage: A scavenger cell specializing in the ingestion and processing of particulate matter, especially harmful bacteria. Macrophages are susceptible to infection by HIV and may serve as reservoirs for HIV.

Meningitis: Infection and inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and the spinal cord.

Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC): A serious opportunistic infection that causes symptoms including night sweats, high fever, cough, weight loss, general fatigue, malabsorption of food, and diarrhea.

Mycobacterium avium intracellulare (MAI): An acid-fast bacillus that can cause infection of most internal organs. MAI infections are a common opportunistic infection of late-stage AIDS.

National Institutes of Health (NIH): A federal agency of the US Public Health Service that includes 13 institutes. NIH supports and conducts biomedical and health research, trains scientists, and writes and publishes scientific and medical reports.

Nonoxynol-9: A chemical used in some contraceptive creams, foams, and jellies that kills sperm and viruses.

Partner notification: The process of informing the sexual and needle-sharing partners of an HIV-infected person that they may be at risk for the infection.

Pathogen: Any disease-producing microorganism or material.

Placebo: A look-alike “sugar pill” that is compared with an experimental treatment in a clinical trial. Placebos can be used when there is no other proven treatment for the disease being studied or when there is no immediate danger to withholding treatment temporarily.

Placebo-controlled: A kind of study in which the experimental treatment being tested is compared with no treatment at all.

Pneumocystic carinii pneumonia (PCP): A fungal infection of the lungs; this is the most common opportunistic infection in AIDS patients.

Polymerase Chain Reaction Test: A test that can detect HIV by looking for the genetic information of the virus; the test can find the virus, even if it is present in a very small amount or is hidden inside white blood cells.

Prophylaxis: A treatment given to a person to prevent a particular disease. Treatment intended to prevent the onset of an infection or disease.

Recombinant: Manufactured; genetically engineered.

Resistance: Diminished effectiveness of a drug against a disease-causing organism.

Retinitis: A general term describing inflammation of the retina. CMV-induced retinitis is a common opportunistic infection in AIDS.

Retrovirus: A class of viruses that includes HIV. Retroviruses are so named because they carry their genetic information in RNA rather than DNA, and the RNA information must be translated “backward” into DNA.

Reverse transcriptase: An enzyme essential to the retrovirus that copies the viral RNA into DNA. AZT and other nucleoside analogues apparently inhibit the reverse transcription process.

Seroconversion: The change from an absence of HIV antibodies in the blood to the presence of those antibodies.

Shingles: A condition caused by the same virus that causes chicken pox and is characterized by inflammation of nerve endings; an opportunistic infection common to people with AIDS.

STD: Sexually transmitted disease.

Surrogate markers: Levels of cells or proteins that indirectly indicate HIV activity and are used to mark disease progression.

Syndrome: A group of symptoms and diseases that together are characteristic of a specific condition.

Thrush: A fungal infection of the mouth and throat caused by candida, marked by white patches in the oral cavity.

Wasting syndrome: A condition characterized by involuntary weight loss of more than 10% of baseline body weight plus either chronic diarrhea or chronic weakness and fever for more than 30 days, when these conditions cannot be explained by any illness other than HIV.

Western blot: A confirmation test for the presence of specific antibodies that is more accurate than the ELISA test for detecting true negatives.

Zidovudine: (azidothymidine, ZDV, AZT, Retrovir) A thymidine nucleoside analog that inhibits HIV replication.

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HIV/AIDS resources and tools

Government Agencies

* Accepts Spanish calls

* National Women’s Health Information Center, OWH, HHS
8270 Willow Oaks Corporate Drive
Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: (800) 994-9662
TDD: (888) 220-5446
Fax: (703) 663-6942
http://www.4woman.gov

* National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, NIH, HHS
PO Box 7923
Gaithersburg, MD 20898
Phone: (888) 644-6226
TTY: (866) 464-3615
Fax: (866) 464-3616
http://nccam.nih.gov

Office of Research on Women’s Health, NIH, HHS
Building 1, Room 201
Bethesda, MD 20892-0161
Phone: (301) 402-1770
Fax: (301) 402-1798
http://orwh.od.nih.gov/index.html


Office of Women’s Health, CDC, HHS
Parklawn Building, Room 1561
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, MD 20857
Phone: (301) 827-0350
Fax: (301) 827-0926
http://www.fda.gov/womens/default.htm


Private Organizations

The Body
250 W. 57th Street
New York, NY 10107
http://www.thebody.com

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Resource
409 12th St, SW, PO Box 96920
Washington, DC 20090-6920
Phone: (202) 638-557
Phone: (800) 762-2264 x 192
(for publications requests only)
http://www.acog.org/

Mayo Clinic
4500 San Pablo Road
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Phone: (904) 953-2000
http://www.mayoclinic.org


Newsletters, Magazines, Reports

FDA
Find a wealth of articles on HIV and AIDS from the Food and Drug Administration.
http://www.fda.gov/oashi/aids/art.html

Healthy Women Today
The National Women’s Health Information Center
http://www.womenshealth.gov/newsletter

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