What Is HIV?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a virus that attacks the immune system, which is your body’s defense against infection.
Without treatment, HIV weakens the immune system over time. This damage can lead to AIDS, which stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection.
There is no cure for HIV. However, treatment with HIV medicine can control the virus. With proper treatment, many people with HIV live long and healthy lives.
HIV in Oregon
Oregon reports about 200 new HIV cases each year. This is fewer than many other parts of the country.
From 2021 through 2024, new HIV diagnoses increased in rural counties in Oregon, according to the EndHIV Oregon website. About 1,087 people in Oregon are living with HIV and do not know they have it, based on data from the Oregon Health Authority HIV Data and Analysis page.
Knowing your HIV status is important. Testing is the only way to know for sure if you have HIV.
Anyone who is sexually active or uses injection drugs can get HIV. HIV is transmitted by coming into direct contact with certain body fluids from a person with HIV, who has a detectable viral load.
- HIV is spread through:
- blood, sexual fluids (semen, pre-seminal fluids, vaginal fluid, rectal fluid), and breast milk.
- HIV is NOT spread through:
- Air or water, mosquitos, ticks, or other insects
- Shaking hands, hugging, sharing toilets, sharing silverware
- Drinking fountains
- Donating blood
