HIV/AIDS
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The rate of HIV infection is increasing most rapidly among women who have sex with men. The providers at Capital Women's Care Howard County located in Fulton, Maryland, offer HIV/AIDS testing.
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The rate of HIV infection is increasing most rapidly among women who have sex with men.
HIV can be transmitted through:
Vaginal, anal, and in some cases oral sexual contact
Sharing needles with an infected person
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Once HIV is in your blood, it invades and kills cells of your immune system, your body's natural defense against disease. Once infected, you may have no symptoms for many years, yet HIV continues to weaken your immune system. Eventually the virus develops into AIDS, a condition in which your immune system is so weakened that other life-threatening conditions, such as infections or cancer, can occur.
Although there is no cure for HIV or AIDS, there have been recent advances in medications that can slow the disease in most people. It is important to be tested any time you take part in sexual activity you consider to be risky.