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Top 10 HIV/AIDS FAQ

Created: June 21, 2007

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HIV is a very complex disease. After having been diagnosed you will have questions about your disease. Knowing the answers to your questions is essential to a long and healthy life. You are not alone; others have questions too. We have assembled those frequently asked questions here with their answers.

1. How did I get HIV?

"I can't believe I'm HIV positive." Are you asking yourself "how did this happen"? You're not alone. In the first few hours after you are diagnosed one of the first questions is how did this happen?

What Are The Riskiest Behaviors?

HIV 101 - The Basics

2. I found out I'm positive...now what?

What do I do now that I'm HIV positive? That's the first question that needs to be answered. Taking the correct first steps after diagnosis will have long term benefits.

HIV Positive - Day 1

The First Step After Diagnosis

3. Is HIV & AIDS the same thing?

The terms are often used interchangeably. The media and most lay people equate the two. But are they the same thing? There is a connection between HIV and AIDS but they are certainly not the same. There are some very important differences you need to know.

AIDS Defining Illnesses - Do You Have One of These?

What is the Difference?

4. Can I get HIV from oral sex?

How safe is oral sex? Rumor has it that there is no HIV risk at all. You'd be surprised at just how risky oral sex is. Find out for yourself with these features.

Performing Safer Oral Sex

Not As Safe As You Think

5. How long does it take HIV to cause AIDS

Left untreated, HIV will eventually cause AIDS defining illnesses. But how long will that take? The answer is not as simple as you may think.

How Long Does HIV Live Outside the Body?

Time To AIDS

6. What is a CD4 count and why is it important?

Your doctor checks your CD4 count on a regular basis. It's important for him and for you to now what that value is. But why? We'll tell you.

Understanding Absolute CD4 and CD4 Percentage

The Importance of CD4

7. What is a viral load and why is it important?

Viral load is another one of those numbers that your doctor checks quite often. What exactly is a viral load and why should I care?

What is Viral Load

The Importance of Viral Load

8. Can I get HIV from hugging, kissing, or sharing a glass?

One very common question is if using the same towel, drinking glass, hugging, kissing, or other types of casual contact can transmit HIV. Here's your answer.

How is HIV Spread From Person to Person

Casual Contact