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• HIV/AIDS
• Genital Warts
• Herpes
HIV and AIDS
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). People can have HIV without having AIDS.
Transmission of HIV:
HIV is not transmitted by normal social contact with a person who has HIV. HIV is carried in the blood and most body fluids. The most common modes of transmission are through sexual contact and by contact with infected blood, most often as a result of needle sharing. HIV can also be transmitted through the placenta from mother to fetus, and also through breast milk from mother to infant.
Groups at Risk for HIV Infection:
• Men who have had sex with men.
• Intravenous drug users.
• People who have had sex with any of the people above.
• People who have been sexually active in countries where HIV is epidemic.
• People who have had a blood transfusion of blood or blood products, or who have
received a transplant of an organ, bone, or other tissue between 1977 and 1985.
• People who have had syphilis and gonorrhea since 1980.
• Health care workers, emergency service personnel, or other persons who have
experienced a substantial exposure to blood or secretions.
• Men or women who have had sex with more than three partners in the past year.

The HIV Antibody Test: The HIV antibody test is a blood test that identifies persons who have become infected with HIV. It does not test for the virus itself, or for AIDS. If you belong to any of the risk groups above, you should be tested for HIV.

Test Results:
A Negative Test Result: A negative test means that antibodies to HIV cannot be detected. This usually means that the person has never been infected with HIV and is not now carrying the virus. A negative test cannot tell that a person will not get AIDS in the future. It only means that HIV infection has not yet occurred, or that the infection happened too recently for the test to turn positive. In almost all cases, the blood test becomes positive with three months after infection occurs, although it can take up to six months for a test to detect antibodies. Therefore, if a person was infected very recently, a negative result could be wrong.

A Positive Test Result: A positive test means that HIV antibodies are detectable in the blood. It cannot determine the time of infection. A positive HIV test result does not mean a person has AIDS. A positive test result does mean that precautions must be taken to prevent infecting others. That means a person with a positive test should never donate blood, plasma, semen, other tissues or organs, never share needles, and never have unprotected intercourse (sex without a condom).

Accuracy of the Test: No test is 100% accurate. An incorrect result is rare, but it is possible. An HIV test result is over 99% accurate. Occasionally, a result is indeterminate (when it is unclear whether the test is positive or negative). When a test result does not seem to make sense, a repeat test or special confirmation tests help to determine the correct result.

Reducing Risk of Transmission:
• Practicing safe sex.
• Do not share needles or drug works, sex toys, toothbrushes, razors, or other devices

that could come in contact with someone else's blood, semen, or body fluids.

For more information, other resources and links:
Centers for Disease Control
Government organization that researches and tracks infectious diseases. Excellent source for STD and HIV/AIDS information.
National AIDS Hotline 1-800-342-AIDS
www.cdc.gov

Washington State Department of Health
State department that provides information and statistics regarding public health care services.
Washington State AIDS Hotline 1-800-272-AIDS
www.doh.wa.gov

Seattle & King County Public Health HIV/AIDS Program
HIV/AIDS and STD information, referral and resources.
HIV-STD Hotline 206-205-STDS
www.metrokc.gov/health/apu

Northwest AIDS Foundation
Regional care and advocacy organization for those affected by HIV and AIDS.
www.nwaids.org

Genital Warts/HPV
Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They look like little bumps, usually with a rough surface, occurring near or on the genitals. Genital warts are very common in both men and women, and many people who have the virus do not have any visible warts or symptoms. Sometimes people will notice itching in the area before the warts begin to appear.

What to do if you think you have genital warts:
• Visit a health care practitioner who can diagnose the warts and who will discuss

a treatment plan.
• Talk with your partner as soon as possible, and encourage him/her to be seen
for an exam.

• Get regular Pap smears.
• Use condoms to try to decrease the risk of transmission of the virus.

Future Risks:
Most cases of genital warts are not serious. Although the virus may be present for a long time, many people will not have a reoccurrence of lesions. However, HVP may increase your risk of cervical cancer. It is important to get a Pap smear every year if you have had genital warts, even if they have been removed and have not recurred.

For more information on HPV/Cervical Cancer:
The American Social Health Association has a website called the HPV Support Program with a question and answer forum, support groups, a newsletter and information in Spanish: www.ashastd.org/hpvccrc/chat.html

The Cervical Cancer Resource Center is the website from the American Cancer Society that provides thorough information and the latest in detection and treatment: www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_IX_what_is_cervical_cancer_8.asp
 
Herpes
Genital herpes is a viral infection caused by the herpes simplex virus. The initial herpes outbreak may occur within the first month of exposure to the virus, although some people may carry the virus for a long period of time without getting any lesions. The first outbreak of genital herpes is often accompanied by flu-like symptoms with small blister-like lesions around the genitals or rectum.
What to do if you think you may have herpes:
• See a health care practitioner immediately if you have any sore spots on or near
the genitals.
• Most practitioners will prescribe an antiviral medication to decrease the symptoms
of herpes.
• Keep the affected area as clean and dry as possible.
• Do not have intercourse until the sores are completely gone and new skin
has healed.
• Talk to your sexual partner(s) about herpes. Your health provider can give you tips
on how to talk about herpes.
• Your partner(s) should also have an exam.
• Always use condoms during intercourse and/or dental dams during oral sex.
• Always wash your hands thoroughly after touching a sore to prevent the spread
of sores.
• If you are pregnant, tell your health practitioner if you have had lesions or if you
have been diagnosed with herpes.

For more information:
The Herpes Resource Center from the American Social Health Association provides comprehensive information on herpes simplex virus with educational materials, links, question and answer forum, and newsletter:
http://www.ashastd.org/hrc/

A state-by-state listing of local support groups can be found at:
http://www.herpes.com/supportgroups.shtml
National Herpes Hotline 919-361-8488

The Centers for Disease Control: www.cdc.gov/std/herpes/stdfact-herpes.htm
National STD Hotline 1-800-227-8922

The Seattle-King County Department of Public Health Family Planning/STD Program www.metrokc.gov/HEALTH/apu/std/herpes_qf.htm

Also has information in Spanish.
HIV/STD Hotline 206-205-STDS
Herpes Hotline 206-223-3272
Herpes Support Group 206-324-3495: Bob Owen, a certified mental health counselor, has been working with people managing herpes since 1980.

University of Washington Virology Research Clinic 206-720-4340 has the latest information about new treatment, management of herpes, and clinical trials.