HIV and AIDS
What is HIV and AIDS?
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes HIV infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV attacks certain cells of the immune system and typically leads to an increased susceptibility to disease. AIDS is the most severe manifestation of HIV infection. A cure for HIV infection has not been identified. However, treatment regimens are highly effective.
Signs and symptoms
Many people with HIV infection feel and appear completely healthy. People with HIV-related illness may have generalized lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes all over their body), weight loss, chronic fever, chronic diarrhea, and/or fatigue, which may progress to AIDS or other illnesses due to a weakened immune system.
Incubation period
The incubation period is variable. The time from HIV infection to the development of detectable antibodies is generally one to three months. The time from HIV infection to diagnosis of AIDS can be less than one year to more than 15 years. Infants who acquire HIV infection before or during birth from infected mothers typically develop symptoms between 12 and 18 months, although some remain symptom-free for more than five years.
Contagious period and spread
HIV is present in the blood and some body fluids (semen, vaginal secretions, breastmilk), and infection is spread by sexual contact, sharing injectable drug needles and syringes, transfusion of infected blood or blood products (which rarely occurs due to blood screening), transplantation of infected tissues or organs (also very rare), and from mother to child before or during birth, or through infected breastmilk. All people with HIV infection can spread the disease by these routes. HIV is not spread by casual social contact in the workplace, school, or child care setting. Sharing food, eating utensils, dishes, or toilet facilities does not spread the disease, nor is it spread through touching or insect bites.
All people with HIV infection can spread the virus throughout their lifetime unless virally suppressed through adherence to treatment medications.
Public health reporting requirements
- HIV/AIDS must be reported by laboratory and health care providers to the state or local public health agency within four days of a suspected or confirmed diagnosis.
- The identity of people with HIV or AIDS should be known only to the people providing direct care to the person with the infection. The penalties for a breach of confidentiality are severe.
Control of spread
- People cleaning surfaces contaminated with blood should wear latex gloves, and the surface should be cleaned with soap and water, followed by disinfection with a bleach solution (one cup bleach in 10 cups of water). See Disease Prevention: The Facility Environment.
- School health education should stress that having unprotected sex and sharing drug paraphernalia increase the risk of acquiring HIV.
Treatment
Effective antiretroviral treatment is available.
Exclusion
Students/children with HIV or AIDS should be able to attend child care and school without special restrictions. Contact the CDPHE Office of STI/HIV/Viral Hepatitis at 303-692-2700 for further guidance on this issue.
Role of teachers, caregivers, and family
- General education about sexual health and STI prevention is recommended.
- Infections in prepubescent children and other high-risk individuals must be reported to appropriate authorities to address the possibility of sexual abuse.