What is AIDS? AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most severe manifestation of infection with the HIV virus of the body’s immune system. The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) lists numerous infections that, in the presence of HIV infection constitute an AIDS diagnosis. Having a CD4 T-cell count of 200 or less. A normal CD4 T-cell count is 500-1500.

A brief history. Some scientists believe that HIV virus spread from Chimpanzees to humans between 1926-1946. Recent research indicates it may have been as early as 1675, but did not establish itself as an epidemic strain in Africa until 1930. The first proven AIDS death happened in the Congo in 1959. Between 1978-1981 a growing number of people in the US, Sweden, Tanzania, and Haiti beg

an showing signs of what would later be called AIDS. 1983 The Institute Pasteur, France, identifies the HIV virus. 1985 The FDA approves the first antibody test for the HIV virus in humans and blood supplies. In the 90’s researchers have discovered how the virus works and have developed new medicines called Inhibitors and antrietrovirals. These medicines greatly restrict and/or prevent the viruses’ ability to replicate; but they are not a cure.

Testing for the HIV virus is a simple blood , saliva, or urine test. Testing can be done anonymously at your Local County Health Services, your private doctor, and at various AIDS organizations. All results are strictly confidential. Who should be tested? Basically everyone, especially if you have had unprotected sex and are not in a monogamous relationship, have used recreational drugs of any kind, they lower your inhibitions and you are more likely to engage in unsafe sexual activity, or have had blood tr

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