HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)

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This site contains HIV prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all ages. Since HIV infection is spread primarily through sexual practices or by sharing needles, prevention messages and programs may address these topics. If you are not seeking such information or may be offended by such materials, please exit this website. hiv

What is HIV?
HIV is a virus that kills your body’s "CD4 cells." CD4 cells (also called T-helper cells) help your body fight off infection and disease.

What do I need to know about HIV?
Anyone can get HIV. The most important thing to know is how you can get the virus. You can get HIV:

By having unprotected sex- sex without a condom- with someone who has HIV.
By sharing drug equipment with someone who has HIV.
From a blood transfusion or blood clotting factor that you got before 1985.
Infected mother to baby, through pregnancy, delivery, and in some cases, mother's milk.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is a reliable source of information on HIV and AIDS. Click on the link below to learn more.

CDC's HIV Website

How do I know if I have HIV or AIDS?
You might have HIV and still feel perfectly healthy. The only way to know for sure if you are infected or not is to be tested.

Eastern Idaho Public Health offers HIV and other STI testing. Rapid HIV tests are available at all health district offices for a minimal fee. The information on your HIV test and test results are confidential, as is your other medical information.

For More Information
Eastern Idaho Public Health has health care professionals who can answer your questions about HIV or provide you with information on the services we provide, including confidential testing. Call the number below and ask to speak to a nurse.

Reproductive Health Department
Eastern Idaho Public Health
1250 Hollipark Drive
Idaho Falls, ID 83401
(208) 525-7245

For additional online resources on HIV/AIDS as well as other sexually transmitted diseases, click on "Online Resources" tab at the top of this page.

Return to EIPH home page.