FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is HIV transmitted?
A: HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, is primarily a sexually transmitted disease. It can be
passed in the following ways:
- during sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral);
- by sharing needles;
- from mother to
infant; or
- rarely through blood transfusions (blood is tested for HIV and other STDs
before being put into the blood supply.
HIV is NOT transmitted through casual contact like
living or working with an infected person.
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Q: What is the best way to avoid HIV infection?
A: The only weapon we have against HIV at this time is responsible behavior based on fact.
HIV is passed through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and infants can be infected from
breast milk if the mother has HIV. Cleaning IV drug needles with bleach and thoroughly
rinsing with fresh water and using latex condoms with a water based lubricant greatly
reduces the risk of HIV infection.
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Q: What symptoms do people experience when they are first infected with HIV?
A: Most people experience NO symptoms at all from their initial infection. Some people may
come down with very common flu-like symptoms, but they are virtually indistinguishable
from a regular flu. It takes an average of 5 to 10 years after infection for most people
to develop symptoms. People with HIV who use drugs and/or alcohol or are otherwise
unhealthy (poor nutrition, stress, lack of sleep) may accelerate the disease process.
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Q: Are you automatically infected if you are exposed to HIV?
A: NO. Although you can be infected from one exposure to HIV, it depends on HOW you are
exposed, how healthy you are at the time, and how much virus the infected person has in
their system. Drugs and Alcohol significantly increase the chance of being infected if you
are exposed.
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Q: Is there a cure for AIDS?
A: NO! Remember, AIDS is a result of HIV infection. In recent years medical advances have
produced drug therapies that greatly extend the lives and improve the quality of life for
people with HIV, however there are many side affects and drawbacks to the drugs.
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Q: Is there a vaccine to prevent HIV infection?
A: NO! There are many vaccines now in clinical study, however at this time, none have been
tested on humans and it may be years before a viable vaccine is possible.
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Q: How long does it take for HIV to show up in a blood test after initial infection?
A: Up to 6 months. If there has been NO risk for 6 months prior to the test, the results
are 99.9% accurate. People with HIV may be MOST infectious to others during this first six
months.
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Q: How can I find out if I have HIV?
A: The only way to know for sure is to have an HIV test. Tests are completely confidential, can
be offered at no charge for those who don’t have the money, and can be offered to
anyone 12 years of age or older without parental consent. You must be offered pre- and
post-test counseling and you must return in person for the results of the test.
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Q: Where is Outreach Community Care Network located?
A: Outreach is at 240 N. Frederick Ave., Daytona Beach, Suite B.
It is just north of International Speedway Blvd. on Frederick Ave., which is one block west of Nova Road.
Suite B is the main reception area, and includes case management services.
Suite D is for prevention & education, and administration offices. HIV counseling and testing, plus additional case management are located in Suite E.
Outreach offers HIV testing, counseling, support groups, education, and case management. Click here for hours and contact numbers.
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Q: I need to talk to someone NOW! Who can I call?
A: 24 hour CDC AIDS Hotline: 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636)
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