HIV Information

"Risk behaviors are much more important than risk groups, it isn't who you are, it's what you do that matters" American College Health Association

The CDC recommends that everyone between the ages of 13-64 be tested for HIV infection as part of their routine medical examination. If you are interested in getting this blood test, you may schedule an appointment at Health Services by calling 973-761-9175 and if you have additional questions you may ask to speak to our HIV specialist, Kathy Keegan, RN, BC.

Alternative screening tests are provided by the State of New Jersey HIV testing sites. Rapid HIV testing is free with results in 20 minutes. For additional information please visit the New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services HIV/AIDS Services website. Please refer to our list of local HIV counseling and testing sites.

What is AIDS? ·Are young adults at risk? ·How is a person infected? ·Who should have an HIV test? .Getting tested.How can I prevent infection? .More information

What is AIDS?

Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
HIV attacks the body's immune system. A healthy immune system helps the body fight off infections it comes in contact with every day
When a person has AIDS, his or her body is less able to fight off dangerous infections.

Are young adults at risk?

Young adults represent one of the fastest growing populations to contract AIDS
Experimenting with combinations of sex, alcohol and/or drugs significantly increases the risk for HIV infection.
Drugs and alcohol can affect judgment and reduce ability to make wise decisions.

How is a person infected?

HIV can only be passed from person to person through body fluids, like blood, semen and vaginal fluid. Risk factors for infection include:

Sex (of any type) with an infected person.
A history of sexually transmitted disease, e.g., herpes, gonorrhea, or syphilis.
Multiple sex partners.
Sex when your judgment is impaired by alcohol and drugs.
Sex with a prostitute (male or female).
Sex with a man if you are male.
Shared use of needles and syringes to inject drugs.
Blood product transfusions between 1978 and 1985.

You cannot be infected with HIV through casual contact, touching, shaking hands, hugging, swimming in a public pool, giving blood, or using hot tubs, public toilets, telephones, or water fountains. You also cannot be infected by food, mosquitoes, or other insects.

Who should have an HIV test?

You should consider being tested for HIV infection if you think you are at risk. The following persons should consider being tested:

Anyone with one or more of the listed risk factors for HIV.
Anyone who has had sex without knowing for sure whether the person(s) he or she had sex with does/do not have HIV.
Anyone who is pregnant or is considering becoming pregnant, breastfeeding or fathering a child and has one or more risk factors for HIV.

Getting tested

Confidential HIV testing is available at Health Services by calling 973-761-9175 for an appointment. The blood test specimen will be sent to an outside lab and payment will be according to your Insurance plan. Results are known in a few days. Screening for other sexually transmitted infections is also available.

How can I prevent HIV infection?

The best ways to reduce your risk of infection with HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases are:

Abstaining from sexual relations.
Maintaining a mutually monogamous sexual relationship with an uninfected partner.
Not having sex with a person who is infected.
Not having sex with anyone who has one or more risk factors for HIV.
Not sharing needles or syringes.

For more information:

If you or someone you know needs more information about HIV testing, HIV, or living with HIV infection, please call Health Services at ext. 9175 or refer to the sites listed below.