What is HIV?

HIV is a viral infection that, if left untreated, causes damage to the immune system so that a person becomes vulnerable to all kinds of infections. If untreated, HIV also causes constant inflammation, which damages the body.

What is AIDS?

AIDS is a collection of life-threatening infections and cancers that occur when a person’s immune system is damaged by untreated HIV infection. AIDS is deadly if not treated.

How is HIV transmitted?

In order to cause infection, the HIV virus has to somehow enter a person’s bloodstream. It can enter through a tiny tear in the skin or through a mucous membrane like the eyes, mouth, vagina, or rectum.

  • HIV is most commonly transmitted through unprotected sex with an infected person that involves contact with blood, semen, vaginal fluid, or other body fluid containing blood cells. Having another sexually transmitted infection (STI) can make it easier to get HIV. Having HIV can make it easier to get another STD.
  • Persons sharing needles for injecting drugs can transmit HIV from one person to another.
  • A person may get HIV by receiving a body piercing or tattoo from equipment that is not properly cleaned and sterilized.
  • An HIV-infected woman can transmit HIV to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding.
  • HIV can also be transmitted through receiving HIV-infected blood or tissue, such as a blood transfusion or an organ transplant. This type of transmission is very rare in the U.S. today due to improved HIV testing and screening requirements.
How is HIV prevented?

Knowing your HIV status is the most important step in keeping you, and those you care about, safe. If you have HIV, using treatment as prevention can help you live a long, healthy life while protecting those around you.

Prevention Medications

Ask your doctor about PrEP, a pill taken once daily to prevent HIV if you are at risk for HIV.  For more information about PrEP or to make a PrEP appointment, call 850-595-6345. 

Learn more about PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).

What happens if I am HIV positive?

With proper care, HIV infection can be managed, preventing the development of AIDS. Both the length and the quality of life can be greatly improved by testing and treating HIV as early as possible. Today’s HIV treatments can enable infected persons to live a normal life if they follow their doctor’s instructions.

Where can I get free condoms?

All DOH-Escambia County clinic locations have free condoms available to the public.

What is the difference between a rapid-HIV test and traditional HIV test?

The major difference between a rapid-HIV test and traditional HIV tests is the amount of time it takes for the results to be available. A rapid HIV test can provide a result in as little as 20 minutes. A traditional HIV test can generally take about two weeks for the result to be returned. Although they are very accurate and reliable, rapid tests are for screening only. A reactive rapid test needs to be confirmed with additional testing before a final result is determined.

Where can I go for testing?

DOH-Escambia offers free rapid HIV testing Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Call 850-595-6500 to schedule an appointment.

In addition, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation in Pensacola (850-476-3131) provides free HIV testing Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. An appointment is not necessary.

Okaloosa AIDS Support & Informational Services (OASIS) provides free rapid HIV and syphilis testing Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Call 850-429-7551 to schedule an appointment.

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How long does it take for HIV to show up on a blood test?

HIV infection can be determined one month after a person contracts it.

How long does it take to develop AIDS after infection with HIV?

Without treatment, most people will develop AIDS within ten years after infection with HIV. Some people may develop AIDS sooner and some later. Factors such as genetics, age, lifestyle, the presence of other health problems, and drug or alcohol use can affect how long it takes to develop AIDS.

I have HIV and do not have medical insurance. Where can I get help?

Please contact Okaloosa AIDS Support & Informational Services at 850-314-0950 (Fort Walton Beach office) or 850-429-7551 (Pensacola office).

How do I make an appointment for the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP)?

Call 850-595-6767.

What should I do if I am pregnant and test positive for HIV?

If a pregnant woman has HIV, she can take medication during pregnancy to prevent her baby from becoming infected. The medication can prevent mother to child transmission by 98% according to the CDC. After birth, the baby will be given medicine for the first six weeks of life to make sure they are not infected. Babies who are exposed to HIV should receive medical care from an HIV doctor until it is certain that the baby is not infected. HIV-infected women should not breastfeed in order to prevent transmitting the infection to infants.