Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency
Syndrome (AIDS)
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS.
HIV can spread from person to person during anal, vaginal, or less commonly,
during oral sex. HIV can also be spread while sharing needles or reusing
equipment to inject drugs, tattoo or body pierce. HIV can also be passed
from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
The following body fluids have been proven to spread HIV:
- Blood
- Semen
- Vaginal fluid
- Breast milk
- Other body fluids containing blood
Over time, HIV attacks and weakens the immune system making infected
persons vulnerable to a variety of infections and some cancers. This stage
of HIV infection is called AIDS. However, there is no vaccine to prevent
HIV infection nor is there a cure. There are treatments that can help
persons live longer and healthier.
For more information on symptoms of HIV infection, transmission, treatment,
prevention, and how many cases have occurred in Minnesota, see below:
- HIV Basics
HIV Fact Sheets, Testing Sites in Minnesota, and Minnesota
Statute language on HIV.
- HIV
Surveillance
Program information, statistics and reports.
- HIV/AIDS Hot
Topics
World AIDS Day facts, planning tip sheets, funding opportunities, and
news releases.
- Getting
Tested for HIV
Listing of HIV testing sites and recommendations in Minnesota.
- Reporting
a Case of HIV
Instructions for clinicians on how to report a case of HIV
to the Minnesota Department of Health.
- HIV Training Opportunities
Upcoming training opportunities in HIV/AIDS prevention and testing
- HIV Prevention Grantees
Community-Based HIV Prevention Programs receiving Minnesota Department
of Health funding
- Perinatal
Transmission of HIV
Information on prenatal HIV testing, transmission of HIV from mother
to infant, checklists for providers on reducing the risk of transmission.
- HIV, Syringe
Access, and Other Conditions and Diseases
Health Notices regarding the syphilis outbreak in Minnesota and
it's connection with HIV; HIV/Hepatitis C co-infection; HIV and smallpox
vaccine; TB/HIV co-infection.
- Community Cooperative Council on HIV/AIDS Prevention (CCCHAP)
Meeting agendas, minutes, rosters, reports and statewide plans.
Content Notice: This site contains HIV or STD
prevention messages that may not be appropriate for all audiences. Since HIV and
other STDs are 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 web site.
If you have questions or comments about this page, use our IDEPC Comment Form or call 651-201-5414 (TTY: 651-201-5797) for the MDH
Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control Division.
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