AIDS Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Choose from the FAQ topics Basic Information Statistics Transmission Testing Risk Reduction Diagnosis & Treatment Children & Adolescents Adolescents Only Human Rights HIV/AIDS Information and Services Glossary of terms

Basic Information

1. What are HIV and AIDS?
2. Who is at risk for getting infected with HIV?

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Statistics

Transmission

3. How is HIV transmitted?
4. Does everyone who is exposed to HIV get infected?
5. Why is injection drug use a high-risk activity for HIV infection?
6. Is a condom 100% safe in preventing HIV infection?
7. Can a person get HIV by kissing?
8. Can a person get HIV from body piercing, ear piercing or tattoo needles?
9. Can mosquitoes transmit HIV?
10. Can HIV be transmitted in swimming pools or hot tubs?
11. Can HIV be transmitted through bites?

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Testing

12. What kinds of antibody tests are available?
13. When does a person need to be tested?
14. How soon after infection can HIV be detected?
15. Where can people get HIV counseling and testing?

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Risk Reduction

16. Is there a way to ensure that HIV is not transmitted sexually?
17. Will use of a condom during sex reduce the risk of HIV infection?
18. How can someone using injectable drugs eliminate or reduce his/her risk of HIV infection?

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Diagnosis and Treatment

19. What are the symptoms of HIV infection?
20. When does HIV become AIDS?
21. What are the new treatments for HIV?
22. How is HIV infection treated?
23. What is the connection between HIV and TB?
24. What do people with HIV need to know about hepatitis?
25. Where can people with HIV get medical care?
26. How can people with HIV pay for their medical care?
27. Will people with HIV on Medicaid be required to join a managed care program?
28. How can people learn about experimental treatment?

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Children and Adolescents

29. How do children get infected with HIV?
30. What risk does interacting with brothers, sisters or other children pose to the child with HIV?
31. If a child has HIV, should school personnel be told?
32. Can a child get HIV through a school yard fight or a contact sport like football?

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Adolescents Only

33. How old do you have to be to give your consent to take an HIV test?
34. If an adolescent gets tested for HIV, will his/her parents(s) or guardians(s) be told test result?

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Human Rights

35. Are the laws in New York State to protect the confidentiality of people with HIV and AIDS?
36. Can an employer require that a job applicant be tested for HIV?
37. Can job activities be limited/changed or can a person be fired because having HIV or AIDS?
38. Can people with HIV infection and/or AIDS be denied health, disability or life insurance?
39. Is it legal for insurance companies to test applicants for HIV without their knowledge?
40. Is it required that confidential HIV test result be included in medical records?
41. Is it legal for health care providers to test patients for HIV without their knowledge or consent?
42. Does a parent have the right to have his/her child tested?
43. Can hospital or ambulance workers refuse to care for a person with HIV/AIDS?