The only sure way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.

To schedule an appointment for a free and confidential HIV test or to have more of your questions answered, please call the Delaware HIV/AIDS Information Line at 800.422.0429 or click here to send us an email.

Frequently Asked Questions about HIV / AIDS

1. What is HIV and AIDS?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV kills off your body’s CD4 cells, the cells that help the body fight off infection. As HIV slowly ravages a person’s immune system, HIV disease progresses. AIDS is the final stage of the disease.

An HIV positive (HIV+) person receives a diagnosis of AIDS after developing one of the serious infections connected with HIV and one that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) defines as AIDS indicator or when their CD4 count goes below 200.

HIV is the virus, AIDS the disease, and “HIV disease” the most appropriate way to describe the continuum of HIV and AIDS.

It usually takes many years before HIV breaks down a person's immune system and causes AIDS. Most people have few, if any, symptoms for several years after they are infected. But once HIV gets into the body, it can do serious damage to the immune system.

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2. Who can get HIV/AIDS?

Anyone can get HIV/AIDS - young and old, men and women, straight, gay and bisexual, rich and poor, and all racial and ethnic groups - but not everyone faces the same risk. Your risk comes from what you do, and who you do it with - that is, how likely it is that the person you have sex or share needles with is infected. But even if you are part of a community with a high infection rate, you can avoid getting HIV. Staying uninfected takes thinking, planning and follow-through. Often it means talking about things that may make you uncomfortable. It can help to "practice" talking with people you can trust or who are going through the same thing.

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3. Are even people over age 50 at risk for HIV/AIDS?

Yes, people over age 50 are very much at risk for HIV/AIDS. HIV was never a part of their earlier dating life. These days, people are living longer and dating again after the death or divorce of a spouse. Men are enjoying relationships thanks to the use of Viagra or similar drugs. Since people do not outgrow their need for a loving relationship and may feel that the protection of a condom is no longer necessary to prevent pregnancy, people over age 50 can engage in risky behaviors. Also, medical professionals are uncomfortable raising sexual topics with this group of people. Some of the earliest signs of HIV/AIDS — forgetfulness, dizziness, poor balance, loss of appetite — can mirror normal age-related concerns and HIV does not enter the medical professional’s diagnosis. People over age 50 should routinely be tested for HIV/AIDS and practice safer sex habits if they are in a sexual relationship or are considering a sexual relationship. The growth of HIV in the age group is about 16% per year.

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4. How do I get HIV?

HIV can be passed when it comes in contact with a person in one of these ways:

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5. How can I know for sure if I have HIV?

The only sure way to know if you have HIV is to get tested!!
To schedule an appointment for a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL HIV test or to have more of your questions answered call the Delaware HIV/AIDS Information Line at 1.800.422.0429.

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6. Can I get HIV from casual contact?

HIV is a fragile virus. You do not get HIV from:

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7. Can I get HIV from unprotected oral sex?

Yes, there are documented cases of HIV infection from oral sex with both men and women. Body fluids exchanged through sexual activity can enter through cuts in the mouth and get into the bloodstream. Also, certain cells in the mucus lining of the mouth may carry HIV into the lymph nodes or bloodstream. Reduce the risk of HIV during oral sex by using a latex or polyurethane barrier like a condom or dental dam.

Kissing, mutual masturbation and getting another person’s semen or vaginal fluids on your skin do not spread HIV. The HIV virus cannot enter the skin unless there is a fresh break in the skin, e.g. a recent cut, gash or blister.

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8. How does the HIV test work? What happens?

Standard HIV tests look for HIV antibodies, which are cells the body makes after HIV enters the blood. It can take up to three months to make enough antibodies so that they will show up on the test, although in most cases, infection can be detected in four weeks. If an infected person tests too soon during this "window period", the HIV test may not find infection, but the person can infect others. At AIDS Delaware, we use a simple pinprick test, given by a trained counselor, that is virtually pain free. You will know your results within 20 minutes and counselors are here to help you throughout the process if you need them.

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9. What are the treatments for HIV/AIDS?

People with HIV or AIDS can do a number of things to stay healthy, which is why it's important to know your status. Although there is no cure for HIV, drugs are now available that can prevent AIDS-related pneumonia and other serious diseases; other medications help the body fight the virus itself. However, many of these drugs may have unintended, harmful side effects. Talk with a member of AIDS Delaware’s staff or your doctor to learn more. The earlier you start on a drug regimen, the more effective it can be.

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10. Can I get HIV from mosquitoes?

Mosquitoes, or other sucking and biting insects, do not transmit HIV. For a mosquito to infect someone, it would have to bite a person who was infected. Then it would have to either travel immediately to someone else and infect that person from tiny drops of infected blood left on the sucker or it would have to process the virus in its own saliva and inject it into the next person. Mosquitoes do not do either of these things.

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11. Is our blood supply safe?

Yes. Since 1985, ALL blood has been tested for HIV, hepatitis and other infectious agents. If you had a blood transfusion prior to 1985, you may want to consider being tested for HIV.

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12. Isn't abstinence the only way to prevent HIV?

Abstaining from sexual activity or certain sexual behaviors can certainly eliminate risk. So can eliminating alcohol or drug use that may impair judgment in sexual situations. However, abstinence has its own “failure rates.” It is equally important for people to know how to reduce risk as it is for them to eliminate it.

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13. Are condoms effective in preventing HIV transmission?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) state that correct and consistent use of a latex barrier for protection during sex greatly reduces the risk of transmitting and receiving HIV. Knowing how to use a latex barrier correctly is important as failure is largely due to incorrect or inconsistent use. Make sure the barrier is latex or polyurethane. Natural or lambskin products have pores that HIV is able to pass through. Never use oil-based lubricants with a condom, e.g. Vaseline, salad oil, chocolate, as it can cause tears and leaks in the latex. This causes it to break. Instead, use a water-based lubricant like K-Y Jelly. Also, observe the expiration date on the package.

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14. What is a "confidential" HIV test?

A confidential test means that, once the results are known, they are not shared with any person but you. The law requires us to report positive test results to the Delaware Department of Public Health for statistical purposes, but they do not notify your school, college or business of your status. If your results are negative, no reporting at all is done to any entity or individual other than yourself.

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15. Do I need my parents' permission to get an HIV test?

If you are 12 years of age or older, you do not need your parent’s or guardian’s consent/permission to get an HIV test and no result will be sent to them.

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16. Does AIDS Delaware notify my school or college about my test?

No, AIDS Delaware will never notify your school, college or job about your taking an HIV test. We respect your right to choose who to tell or not tell and that is your choice and decision. If you test is positive for HIV, we will notify the Delaware Department of Public Health as we are required to do by law, but once there, your name and status are not released.

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17. Why is the stigma about HIV so dangerous?

HIV affects all sorts of people regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, social status, profession, or background. People with HIV include our friends, families, neighbors, colleagues, leaders, celebrities, ourselves - you name it - everybody.

Unfortunately, because of ignorance, misinformation, prejudice, and especially fear, people with HIV must deal not only with the challenge of living with the virus but also with negative attitudes — just for being HIV-positive.

Stigma around HIV leads to an unsafe environment for all of us!

If all of us in all communities were more informed and more accepting of people with HIV, we would have a greater impact on reducing the spread of the virus. People would be encouraged to test for HIV and disclose their status without fear of rejection or discrimination. We all need to be willing to deal with HIV honestly and courageously, without blaming, degrading, or isolating people with HIV.

Let's be there for each other!

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18. What are the rights of people with HIV/AIDS?

It is against federal law to discriminate against people who have disabilities, including people with HIV/AIDS. That means it is illegal for people to discriminate concerning jobs, housing, medical care, and in most businesses that are open to the public.

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