HIV & AIDS

This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all ages.

HIV - (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
AIDS - (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)

HIV Infection

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a chronic infectious disease that leads to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

HIV is spread by the transmission of bodily fluids through sharing drug injection devices, razors, non-sterilized piercing and tattoo equipment, and through unprotected sexual contact. This sexual contact may include anal, vaginal, and oral intercourse with an infected person or from an infected mother to an infant through pregnancy, delivery, and mother's milk.

HIV is NOT spread by sharing eating utensils, sharing toilets or bathrooms, mosquitoes or other biting insects, drinking fountains, swimming pools and routine activities at work or school.

Prevention of HIV

You can reduce your risk of becoming HIV infected by following these recommendations:

The only 100% sure way not to get HIV is to abstain from all sexual or needle sharing contact with another person;
Having sex is a choice. If you choose to engage in sexual intercourse, always practice safe sexual methods. Use a latex condom correctly and consistently every time. When using latex condoms, always use a water soluble personal lubricant like KY Jelly or Astroglide. Never use petroleum based lubricants like Vaseline, hand lotions, or organic oils like Crisco. These products may cause the condom to break or leak;
Do not have unsafe or unprotected sexual intercourse with anyone if you are not sure about their HIV negative status;
Avoid sexual activities or practices that may injure body tissues and result in direct blood contact;
Do not use illicit/illegal injectable drugs or share injection devices like cookers, rigs, cotton, needles or syringes;
Avoid unprotected sexual contact with people who use illegal/illicit drugs;
Avoid unprotected or unsafe sex with multiple partners or sex industry workers;
Avoid having sex under the influence of alcohol or drugs which may alter your ability to make safer sexual decisions;
Do not share acupuncture, piercing, or tattoo equipment. If you want to have an acupuncture, piercing, or tattoo procedure done, find a reputable, licensed professional who uses proper sterilization techniques and equipment;
Do not participate in rituals or activities that allow the physical mingling of two individuals blood, such as "blood brothering";
Avoid all illicit/illegal drugs such as heroin, speed, methamphetamine, cocaine, and steroids. These substances can negatively impact your immune system making you more susceptible to viral infections like HIV.

Epidemiology & Reporting of HIV

In Idaho, legal authority for regulations protecting the health of the people of Idaho is granted to the Board of Health and Welfare. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has adopted regulations that contain the official requirements governing the reporting, control, and prevention of reportable diseases and conditions. In short, this means that medical providers are legally required to report certain conditions to public health. These guidelines from the Idaho Reportable Disease List

SDHD Epidemiology & Communicable Disease Program