Frequently Asked Questions
What is HIV?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This is the virus that causes
AIDS. When HIV gets into a person’s body, their immune systems create
substances called antibodies. When you get an HIV test, it actually looks
for these antibodies. If you have them, you are HIV-positive. Being HIV-positive
does not mean you have AIDS, but it may mean that you need to see your doctor
on a regular basis, take anti-HIV medications and always practice safer sex.
A person can be HIV-positive for many years without becoming sick. Even when
healthy, there is a possibility of transmitting the virus on to another person.
You cannot tell by someone’s appearance if they have HIV or not.
HIV, like other viruses, does not have the ability to reproduce on its own.
In order to reproduce, it invades cells of the immune system and uses their
replication abilities to reproduce. Over time, this damages the immune system
and creates opportunities for many diseases.
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and is the result of HIV
infection. When a person has AIDS, their body may be at risk for acquiring
many infections. Some bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites that once seemed
harmless may cause serious illness, or even death, when a person has AIDS.
Only a medical professional can diagnose a person with AIDS. Blood tests and
physical examinations must be performed in order to make the diagnosis. For
a detailed definition of AIDS, please visit the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.
How do you "get" AIDS?
If you are infected with HIV, you may develop AIDS. AIDS is a result of HIV
infection. HIV is transmitted through intimate physical or sexual contact with
a person who is infected, through blood-to-blood contact with a person who
is infected, and a mother can pass the virus to her baby during labor, delivery
or breastfeeding.
HIV is found in the blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk of those
with the virus. If these fluids have contact with broken skin, mucous membranes
or are inserted into the body with a needle, HIV transmission can occur.
A latex condom used consistently and correctly during each sexual act may help
prevent HIV infection. You should always wear latex gloves when cleaning up
any spilled bodily fluids, and you should always use a clean or new needle
for injecting prescribed or non-prescribed drugs. Sharing needles for any reason
(tattooing, piercing, drug use) is extremely risky.
How do I know if I’m at risk for HIV/AIDS?
If you can answer yes to any of the following questions, you may be at risk
for HIV and should be tested.
What are the sign and symptoms of HIV infection?
Many people do not have any symptoms when they first become infected with HIV.
Some people, however, have a flu-like illness within a month or two after exposure
to the virus. This illness, called acute retroviral syndrome, may include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Enlarged lymph nodes (glands of the immune system
easily felt in the neck and groin)
These symptoms usually disappear within a week to a month and are often mistaken
for those of another viral infection. During this period, HIV is present
in large amounts in genital fluids and may be transmitted easily.
More persistent or severe symptoms may not appear for 10 years or more after
HIV first enters the body in adults, or within two years in children born with
HIV infection. This period of "asymptomatic" infection is highly
individual. Some people may begin to have symptoms within a few months, while
others may be symptom-free for more than 10 years.
What is a CD4 cell?
A CD4 cell, or T-cell, is a part of the immune system. This cell assists the
immune system in mounting attacks against invaders such as bacteria, viruses
and fungi. Without healthy CD4 cells, the immune system is not as likely to
be successful in fighting illness. As HIV damages the immune system, the number
of CD4 cells begins to decline. A doctor will monitor this level over time
to look for changes. It may be a good idea for you to track this number for
yourself, too.
What is viral
load?
Viral load is simply how much virus is in the blood stream. Your doctor will
order this blood test several times per year to determine if you should take
anti-HIV medications or if your medications are working. It may be a good idea
for you to track this number for yourself, too.
When taking anti-HIV medications, some people achieve very low levels of HIV
in their blood and have "undetectable" viral loads. This does not
mean that the virus is not still in a person’s body, or that the viral
load is "undetectable" in other bodily fluids. A person with an undetectable
viral load can still pass HIV to another person through sexual behavior or
unsafe drug use. <top>
How long can you live with HIV/AIDS?
Medications to treat HIV disease have steadily improved over time. It is impossible
to determine how long a person may live after being infected with HIV or even
after being diagnosed with AIDS. Each person’s body is very unique.
It is recommended that you seek out a physician who specializes in HIV/AIDS
care, educate yourself as much as possible and develop a support system of
family, friends and/or care providers. Doing these things, and taking all medications
exactly as prescribed may help you live a better and longer life.
Will I have to take medications for HIV?
Anti-HIV medications, called antiretrovirals, are recommended for those living
with HIV who have symptoms, a high viral load or a low CD4 count. Discussing
all of these things with a medical provider you trust may help you make a decision
about treatment.
Antiretrovirals are designed to stop HIV from being able to replicate in your
body. If the virus cannot replicate, the amount of virus begins to decrease
in your body, and the immune system may begin to get healthier again. The medications
only work when taken correctly, so it’s important to get educated about
them before you begin therapy.
Some people decide to not take medications or to take an alternative approach
to their care. If you would like to explore more about alternative methods
of treatment, you may want to seek out a physician who is knowledgeable and
open to alternative methods.
What are some helpful numbers?
Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services - (803) 779-7257 or 1-800-922-7319
South Carolina AIDS Hotline - 1-800-322-AIDS
National AIDS Hotline - 1-800-342-AIDS
Who does PALSS
serve?
Palmetto AIDS Life Support Services (PALSS) has served people living with HIV/AIDS
in the Midlands area of South Carolina since 1985. Our coverage area includes
Richland, Lexington, Newberry, Sumter, Fairfield, Kershaw, Clarendon and Lee
Counties.
What can PALSS
do for me?
PALSS offers a variety of services. We can help you identify and prioritize
your needs, develop a plan to help you meet your needs and access community
resources. Other services include assistance in completing legal documents,
such as powers of attorney, simple wills and living wills, housing assistance,
support groups, short-term emergency financial assistance, emotional and practical
support, client advocacy, treatment/health education, emergency food pantry,
counseling and technical assistance.
What are PALSS
office hours?
PALSS is open to serve clients Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am – 5:00
pm. A case manager is on call after hours and on the weekends for emergencies.
If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. For other emergencies, you
can reach a case manager through our answering service at (803) 779-7257 or
1-800-922-7319. Support groups offered at held after business hours.
What
is case management?
Our case managers can answer your questions about services that are available
to you in our community. Case managers can make referrals for medical treatment,
mental health and substance abuse counseling, local food banks and various
other services. Our case management program is designed to help you identify
and prioritize your needs, develop a plan to meet those needs and help you
access resources available to help you achieve your goals. If necessary, your
case manager may visit you in your home, the hospital or any other appropriate
location.
What
type of financial assistance is available?
We offer various types of emergency financial assistance. You may qualify for
funds to help with utility or rental/mortgage payments. Through Ryan White
funding, we may be able to help you pay for medications or to make co-payments.
We can assist with transportation to and from medical appointments, Social
Security Disability Office, Social Services and area food banks. You must meet
certain financial requirements to be eligible for financial assistance. Your
case manager can help you determine your eligibility for specific programs.
What types
of support groups are offered at PALSS?
PALSS has confidential support groups for people living with HIV/AIDS. Support
groups are forums for people to discuss issues, learn more about living with
HIV, develop a support system and help build coping skills. We offer a Men’s
Support Group and a Women’s Support Group. Please telephone PALSS at
(803) 779-7257 for a meeting schedule. |
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