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Frequently Asked Questions...

Q: What is HIV/AIDS?
A: The Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, attacks the immune system that usually fights infection. HIV kills and damages cells that help the body fight infection and certain cancers. After the immune system breaks down, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS, marks the most advanced stages of an HIV infection.

Q: Who has HIV/AIDS?
A: AIDS was first reported in the United States in 1981, and has since become a major worldwide epidemic. In the United States today, an estimated 950,000 people are living with HIV. About one quarter are unaware they have the disease.

Q: How is HIV transmitted?
A: Unprotected sex is the most common way that HIV is spread. You can get HIV by infected blood. Research has proven that you cannot get the virus through saliva, kissing, sharing food utensils or other casual contact. HIV is found only in four fluids; blood (including menstrual blood), semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk.

There are many risky behaviors associated with contracting HIV/AIDS:

  • Sharing drugs, needles or syringes
  • Having sexual contact with an infected person without using a condom
  • Having sexual contact with someone who has not been tested for HIV/AIDS

Q: What are the symptoms of HIV/AIDS?
A: Many people still believe that if they do not have any symptoms or feel sick, they are not at risk for HIV/AIDS. In reality, HIV symptoms usually appear 30 to 60 days after the infection. These symptoms can include a flu-like illness, fever, headaches and fatigue. These initial symptoms go away on their own and often people are asymptomatic for 8-10 years before any other HIV symptoms present themselves. During this entire time, people are contagious and potentially spreading the virus.

The symptoms associated with AIDS are much more severe and sometimes fatal. People with AIDS have such a weak immune system that the body cannot fight off bacteria and viruses, often causing seizures, fevers, loss of vision, nausea and cancer.

Q: How can I protect myself?
A: Since no vaccine has been developed for HIV, the only way to prevent infection is to protect your own body.

Sex can be safe if:

  • You use male or female condoms during sexual activities
  • Both you and your partner are uninfected (HIV negative)
  • You have sex only with your partner
  • Neither one of you gets exposed to HIV/AIDS through drug use or other activities
  • You know the HIV status of your partner

Q: What should I do if I think I might have been exposed to HIV?
A: According to the Center for Disease Control, people exposed to the HIV virus should get an HIV test as soon as possible. By getting tested early, you can discuss the treatment possibilities with a health care professional early in the disease process.

Because of the time it takes to detect HIV in the body - known as the window period, we recommend that you test once, then abstain from any risky behaviors and test again in 3 months.

Early testing can also prevent high-risk behavior that could spread the virus to others.

Q: How can I get help?
A: The HIV Alliance offers:

  • Confidential and anonymous oral HIV antibody testing at a variety of locations in Lane County
  • Personal risk assessment and risk reduction counseling
  • Needle exchange services at the office and mobile exchange sites, providing clean needles, first aid supplies and safe disposal of syringes

The HIV Alliance's Client Care and Advocacy Program helps clients develop a plan for living with HIV by providing clients with:

  • Assistance in accessing health insurance and health providers
  • Information and referrals to social services and alcohol/drug treatment
  • Emotional support and weekly support groups
  • HIV education

Q: I just found out that I have HIV and I don't have insurance, what should I do?
A: There are several options available in the state of Oregon. Please contact the client services dept. for details. Phone 541- 342-5088.

Q: I have health insurance through work, but my co-pays are really expensive and I can't afford to see the doctor, is there any way to get help?
A: There is a program through the Oregon Health Division that can help you with your premiums and co-pays. For more information contact the client services dept., or contact CAREAssist directly.

Q: What does being a client of HIV Alliance mean?
A: Once you are a client of HIV Alliance you have access to case management, financial assistance and support services.

Q: What do I have to do to become a client of HIV Alliance?
A: You would need to make an appointment with the client services dept for an intake. You would need to bring documentation of your HIV status. This could be either lab results or a statement from your doctor.

Please contact the HIV Alliance for questions or for more information about their services.