Telephone: (850) 476-3131
FAQs
HIV FAQs
Know the answers to important HIV/AIDS questions
Q: What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
A: HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and other organs of the body. It causes AIDS, or acquired immune deficiency syndrome. This syndrome describes a group of illness that occur as the immune system, primarily reflected in the number of CD4 cells (or T-helper cells) drop. As the immune system weakens, many different "opportunistic" infections, and some types of cancer, can occur. The term "opportunistic" occurs because if the immune system is not weak, these microorganisms will not have the opportunity to cause an infection. HIV infection shows up as a positive blood test for the HIV antibody within several weeks. It can take many years before the weakened immune system allows opportunistic infections to take hold.
Q: Can you tell it someone is infected with HIV?
A: No. A person with HIV, or even AIDS, can look and feel quite healthy. As the immune system weakens, there are some symptoms like weight loss, fever, diarrhea, and fatigue. However, these often occur for other reasons and do not definitely point to HIV. The only way a person can tell if he or she is infected with HIV is by getting an HIV test.
Q: Will there ever be a cure for AIDS?
A: No cure for AIDS is on the horizen, but like many other diseases we cannot cure, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and hypothyroidism, current medications and current medical care can control these diseases very well and in many cases can mean a normal lifespan.
Q: Why test for HIV?
A: It is important that everyone knew their HIV status so they can be treated before progressing to AIDS, or becoming very ill with an opportunistic infection. Knowing also helps prevent the spread of HIV to other individuals.
What you know can save your life.
If you test negative, it does not mean you can't be infected with HIV in the future. Take this opportunity to learn the risks and how to avoid them.
If you test positive, early medical care can help you live a longer, healthier life.
It is critical, even for people with HIV who do not have any symptoms, to get treatment early. While there is no cure for AIDS, There are treatments that can help your body resist the virus, Current and ongoing medical developments are helping people with HIV and AIDS live longer and better lives. When taken early, some antivirals can slow the growth of Ply and antibiotics can delay or prevent certain life-threatening infections.
Early testing can save the lives of others.
Knowing your HIV status helps you to be responsible in your relationships with other people. If you know you are infected, you can avoid risky behaviors and control the spread of HIV. Also, if you're HIV-positive and pregnant, you can greatly reduce the risk at passing HIV to your baby by getting treated with zidovudine (AZT).
Q: Who should get tested?
A: You should consider being tested if you:
- Have injected drugs or steroids and shared your needles or syringes (works)
- Have had sex with an HIV-infected person
- Have had sex with someone who injects drugs
- Had a blood (or blood product) transfusion in the United States anytime between 1978 and May 1985
- Have had several sex partners
- Have had sex partners whose HIV status you don't know
Q: How can I get tested?
A: You can get tested at the doctor's office, hospital, clinic, or HIV testing center. Now, there is also a new way to test for HIV at home.
Vaccination Recommendations
- For Persons With HIV/AIDS: Center for Prevention And Treatment of Infections Barbara H. Wade, MD 5147 N. Ninth Ave., Suite 203 Pensacola, Florida 32504 (850) 476-3131
- Pneumococcal vaccine ("pneumonia shot")- the "pneumonia shot" is recommended for all HIV-positive persons 2 years of age or older. A one-time booster dose 5 years later may be needed.
- BInfluenza vaccine ("flu shot")- the "flu shot" is recommended every autumn for people who are HIV-positive or immuno-compromised. It is also recommended for people who live with or provide health care to HIV-positive persons.
Hepatitis B vaccine (Hep-B)- Hepatitis B vaccine is generally recommended for all HIV-positive persons, people with multiple sexual partners, household contacts and sexual partners of HBV carriers, men having sex with men, IV drug users. Discuss your need for screening blood tests and/or vaccination with your health care professional. The vaccine is given in a three (3) shot series over six (6) months. - Tetanus, diptheria vaccine (often referred to as "tetanus shot"- All adults need a booster dose every ten years.
Measles, mumps, rubella vaccine (MMR)- In general, one dose is recommended for those born after 1956 if that person has not been previously vaccinated. People with HIV who are severely immunocompromised may not be candidates for this vaccine. Discuss this with your health care provider. People born before 1957 are usually considered immune. - Hepatitis A vaccine (Hep A)- Many people are at risk for hepatitis A including travelers to areas outside the U.S., men who have sex with men, IV drug users, hemophiliacs, etc. In fact, the hepatitis A virus causes half the cases of hepatitis in the United States, and about 100 deaths due to severe disease. Discuss your need for screening blood tests and/or vaccination with your health care professional. The vaccine is given in a two (2) shot series over 6-12 months.
- All at-risk persons should have a Hepatitis profile completed by their health care professional.
- Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) is the only polio vaccine recommended for HIV-positive persons and their contacts. No oral polio vaccine should be given.
- Vaccine for chickenpox (varicella) should NOT be given to HIV-positive individuals. However, children who share a household with an HIV-positive person should be immunized so that "wildtype" chickenpox is not spread to the immunocompromised person.
Insurance coverage:
Medicare B - Medicare Part B does not cover Hepatitis A under any circumstances. Hepatitis B vaccine is covered with one of the following diagnosis:
- ESRD
- Hemophilia
- Persons living with a documented carrier.
- Homosexual men
- IV Drug abusers
Medicaid - Does not cover any vaccinations.
HMO - Unless it is some special coverage specific to a certain HMO, the general rule is that HMO's do not cover vaccines.
Other Options: You may pay for these vaccinations your self either here at the Center for Prevention and Control of Infection or at the Escambia County Health Department.