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12. Glossary of HIV Related Terms
A
Anal sex - Sexual intercourse in which the penis is put into the anus (rectum) of the sex partner.
Antiretroviral Therapy - Drugs that target HIV infection. Also see HAART
AZT - A nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor medication to assist with inhibiting the reproduction of HIV. See Zidovudine.
C
Condom - A thin protective sheath designed to prevent the exchange of body fluids during sexual contact. Condoms may be made of latex, lamb's skin or polyurethane, although, latex has been shown to be the best protection from STI/HIV. Also see Reality condom.
D
E
Epidemic - An outbreak of disease among people of a similar geographic area.
G
H
HIV - Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus that causes AIDS.
I
Infection - Germs (bacteria, viruses, or parasites) present in the body. Infection may or may not result in illness.
Infectious disease - A disease caused by a germ (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites).
J
L
O
Oral sex - Sexual intercourse in which the mouth of one person touches the genitals or anus of another person.
OraSure test - HIV testing that collects cells from the mouth in order to determine the presence of HIV antibodies. It is often used for persons for whom blood collection is not an option.
P
PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) - A blood test that confirms the presence of HIV or monitors viral replication.
R
S
Seroprevalence - Refers to the number of persons infected with HIV within a given population.
Sex toys - Devices used during sex by both men & women (vibrator, dildo, etc.).
STI - Sexually Transmitted Infection or Disease
V
Vaginal Sex - Sexual intercourse in which the penis is inserted into the vagina.
Viral load - Measures the amount of HIV in the blood
Virginity - Dependent on the person’s perception of virginity.
AIDS - Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), a disease caused by HIV that weakens the immune system. This allows other diseases to attack the body.
CD4+ - CD4 count is an indicator of the degree of immune suppression. Normal CD4 count ranges from 800-1200. An AIDS diagnosis can be determined when someone with HIV has a CD4 count below 200.
Dental Dam - A latex barrier used for oral sex involving the vagina or rectum.
ELISA - Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is the initial screening used to detect HIV antibodies. If the ELISA is reactive, then it is repeated and confirmed with the Western Blot.
Genitals - The sex organs, including the penis, testicles, vagina and uterus.
HAART - Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (see Antiretroviral Therapy)
IDU - Injection drug user
Jaundice - A condition sometimes caused by an infection (hepatitis) that causes the eyes, skin, and urine to turn unusually yellow; can result from damage to the liver.
Latex - A type of rubber used to make condoms, medical gloves, and other very thin, flexible materials.
Opportunistic infections - Infections that occur more often or exclusively in persons with a weak immune system.
Pandemic - Disease outbreak that is spread over a wide geographical area.
Reality Condom - A polyurethane barrier that is inserted into the vagina or rectum.
Semen - A greyish-yellowish fluid that contains sperm and comes out of the penis at orgasm, "cum."
Vaginal fluids - The secretions (wetness) produced inside the vagina. During sexual arousal these secretions usually increase to lubricate the vagina for sexual intercourse.
