ACU Frequently Asked Questions

  1. WHAT IS HIV?

    • HIV is a virus that is passed between people through blood and other body fluids. HIV weakens the immune system, making it easier for people to become sick. (A virus is the smallest type of germ. Viruses live inside of living things.
      HIV
      H- Human
      I– Immuno deficiency syndrome
      V- Virus

  2. WHAT IS AIDS?

    • AIDS is a word used to describe the most serious stageof a person’s infection with HIV.it means that they have a collection symptoms and diseases defined medically as AIDS.
      AIDS
      A- Acquired (acquired means we already have it .we already have acquired the HIV virus
      I– Immuno (the same as in HIV – our body’s system of defense)
      D– Deficiency (the same as in HIV- to be without something)
      S– Syndrome (a syndrome is a group of symptoms that together characterize a specific disease or illness)

  3. HOW DO PEOPLE BECOME INFECTED WITH HIV?
    • SEX- penetrative sex with an HIV infected person where the penis enters the vagina, anus or mouth of another person.
    • BLOOD TO BLOOD- from an HIV infected person’s blood to another person’s blood through an opening in the body such as a cut, from a transfusion or by sharing that cuts or pierces the skin (knives, razor or needles).
    • MOTHER TO CHILD- HIV can be passed from a mother who is HIV infected to her baby during pregnancy, at the time of birth, or through breastfeeding.
  4. HOW CAN YOU PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST HIV?
    • The only certain way to protect against HIV transmission is to abstain from sexual intercourse, but being in a mutually faithful relationship with an uninfected partner and using a latex condom correctly for every act of sexual intercourse can significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection