HIV / AIDS Tri-County Health Department

HIV / AIDS:
The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that infects cells of the human immune system, destroying or impairing their function. In the early stages of infection, the person has no symptoms but is contagious. However, as the infection progresses, the immune system becomes weaker, and the person becomes more susceptible to opportunistic infections.

The most advanced stage of HIV is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It can take 10-15 years for an HIV-infected person to develop AIDS but antiretroviral drugs can slow down the process.


HIV / AIDS
HIV / AIDS: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that infects cells of the human immune system, destroying or impairing their function. In the early stages of infection, the person has no symptoms but is contagious. However, as the infection progresses, the immune system becomes weaker, and the person becomes more susceptible to opportunistic infections. The most advanced stage of HIV is Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It can take 10-15 years for an HIV-infected person to develop AIDS but antiretroviral drugs can slow down the process.	Transmission and Infection: HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing of contaminated needles, and between a mother and her infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. Since 1981, more than 65 million people have been infected with HIV worldwide, including an estimated 38.6 million who are living with HIV/AIDS today. It is estimated that there were 4.3 million new infections last year, the highest ever in one year. It’s estimated that 15,000 people are currently living with HIV or AIDS in Colorado, and that one in four people who are HIV-positive are unaware that they are positive since they have not been tested. Free Testing: Tri-County Health Department clients are tested for HIV/AIDS through a partnership with Denver Health, which offers free, confidential HIV testing and counseling at 605 Bannock St, Room 161, Denver, Colorado. 303-436-7251. (Website) (Map) (RTD Bus Routes) They provide free confidential HIV testing and counseling by appointment from 8 am to 5:30 pm on Mon and Wed; and from 8 am to 4 pm on Tues, Thurs and Fri. Call 303-436-7251 to schedule an appointment. Local Information and Resources: • Colorado AIDS Project • Denver Health (Free HIV Tests) • Frequently Asked Questions • HIV/AIDS Cases in Colorado • HIV/AIDS Cases in the US • HIV/AIDS Cases Worldwide • Links to Services and Groups • Project Angel Heart (Meals)	World AIDS Day: "Take the Lead - Stop AIDS" World AIDS Day, held on December 1st each year, is an occasion for people around the world to raise awareness about the international health threat presented by HIV/AIDS. • World AIDS Day Campaign • AIDS Timeline - 1980 to the Present • How You Can Participate • Print a Flyer • Public Health Update - HIV/AIDS • Resources • TCHD News Release Related Tri-County Pages: • Community Health Data • Disease Prevention and Control • En Español / In Spanish • Men's Health Services • Minority Health Services • News Release • Nursing Services • STD / HIV Testing • Tuberculosis • Women's Health Services Important Links: • A to Z - HIV / AIDS Index • AIDS Info (CDC) • AIDS Info (US HHS) • AIDS Timeline 1980 - Present • AIDS Walk Colorado • African Americans and HIV / AIDS • Asians and HIV / AIDS • Colorado AIDS Project • Denver Health • Fact Sheets (CDC) • Famous People with HIV/AIDS • Gay Men and HIV / AIDS • Global Report (UN AIDS) • Glossary • Harm Reduction Project • Hispanics and HIV / AIDS • Index of Publications • Links to Services and Groups • MSM - Men Who Have Sex With Men • Native Americans and HIV / AIDS • Rumors, Myths, Hoaxes • Statistics - Colorado • Statistics - U.S. (CDC) • Surveillance Reports (CDC) • Testing Sites in Colorado • Tuberculosis and HIV / AIDS • Women and HIV / AIDS • World Health Organization En Español / In Spanish: • CDC En Español • Info SIDA • Infecciones por el VIH • Rumores, Mitos y Bromas • Translation Tool