HIV/AIDS

Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Human - The HIV virion has a narrow in that it can only affect humans.

The I - The virus targets your killer T cells, the cells in your immune system that fight off infections and diseases

The V - Like all viruses, the HIV virion must replicate itself using host cells as a means of reproducing more viruses.

HIV was first reported in the U.S. clinically in 1981

However, the first well-documented case of HIV was in 1959 in the Congo (Dem.Rep.of Congo)

Experts believe that the virus was latent in populations in Africa during the colonial period and then spread to Europe and the Americas through prostitution and intermarrying. 

 

 

The HIV virus is believed to have

transferred from Primates as the SIV virus

is the closest predecessor to the HIV virus.

Meat markets in Kinshasa, Congo harbor

unsanitary conditions that may have

aided in zoonosis

(cross-species viral transfer) 

 

•There are many ways to get free and confidential HIV testing:

•At the Fairfax County Health Department (No appointment is required. Walk-in services only.)

–During regular clinic hours listed on each district office Web page

–During STD clinics  (Anonymous HIV testing is available on ONE day each month. View the schedule.)

•Find a testing location outside of Fairfax County, or call the Virginia Department of Health Disease Prevention Hotline at 1-800-533-4148.

•You can also text your ZIP code to KnowIt or 566948.

 

The following criteria are used to determine if a person infected with HIV has AIDS:

 

• The person’s immune system is severely damaged as indicated by a CD4 count of less than 200 cells/mm3. A CD4 count measures the number of CD4 cells in a sample of blood. The CD4 count of a healthy person ranges from 500 to 1,600 cells/mm3.AND/OR

• The person has one or more opportunistic infections.