HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS.  It was first diagnosed in 1981, and works by killing the body’s CD4 cells.  Those cells help a body fight infection and disease.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the result of an HIV infection and is the most advanced stage of HIV.  AIDS is determined by an HIV-infected person having a CD4 cell count less than 200 and/or the presence of an indicator disease.  There is no cure for HIV or AIDS.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV can only be spread person to person. HIV is transmitted through four body fluids: blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids. HIV enters the body through a mucous membrane (ears, eyes, nose, mouth, penis, anus, or vaginal) or a break/cut in the skin. The most common activities which place a person at risk are:

• Having sexual intercourse (oral, anal, or vaginal) with someone infected with HIV

• Sharing of needles and syringes with someone infected with HIV

• A baby being exposed to HIV before or during birth or through breast feeding.

How is HIV not transmitted?

HIV cannot be transmitted through everyday activities such as hugging, shaking hands, or casual kissing. Also, a person cannot become infected from a door knob, toilet seat, drinking glass, water fountain, silverware or dishes. HIV is not transmitted to humans from animals or mosquitoes.

How can I protect myself?

If a person does not know his or her HIV status, he or she should get tested for HIV. A person can greatly reduce his or her risk for HIV. Abstaining (or refraining) from sexual intercourse, and also from sharing of needles and syringes, is the safest way to avoid transmission of HIV. If a person is sexually active, he or she should use a latex condom or barrier each and every time he/she has sex. Anyone who uses needles should avoid sharing them. If a person does share, disinfect all syringes with bleach immediately before and after each use by cleaning them two times with bleach and rinse them three

times with water.

How do I know if I am HIV positive?

There are no signs or symptoms for HIV. The only way to know if someone is infected is by getting an HIV test. The average HIV test checks the body for HIV antibodies – organisms the immune system makes after infection.

How do I get an HIV test?

HIV tests can use blood or saliva to detect HIV infection. Some tests take a few days or weeks for results, but rapid HIV tests can give results in about 20 minutes. All positive HIV tests must be followed by another test to confirm the positive result. For more information about HIV testing contact the Oklahoma State Health Department HIV/STD Service at (405) 271-4636.

A Glance at the HIV/AIDS Epidemic in Oklahoma

As of December 31, 2007, approximately 4,521 Oklahomans were living with HIV/AIDS. Of these cases 2,274 were HIV Infections and 2,247 were AIDS cases.

• The largest proportion of HIV cases are ages 20-29 years (37%), followed by ages 30-39 years (36%)

• The largest proportion of AIDS cases are ages 30-39 years (45%), followed by ages 40-49 years (28%)

·                     Males account for 83% of all HIV/AIDS cases in Oklahoma.

·              Among adult female HIV/AIDS cases, heterosexual contact accounts

           for 64% of exposure.   

·               Homosexual or bisexual males account for 69% of adult male

          HIV/AIDS mode of exposure.

·              IV drug use accounts for the second-highest category of exposure in      

           females.

Statistics compiled by Oklahoma State Department of Health

RED TIE NIGHT

Early in 1991, Oklahoma City businessman Jackie Cooper, his wife Barbara, and a small group of concerned individuals came together to discuss what could be done to help the growing number of individuals living with HIV/AIDS in our state.

At that time, HIV was still a new and misunderstood disease, yet was beginning to attract several national organizations led by high-profile celebrities to raise money to fund HIV/AIDS research. 

At the same time, little was being done to help those already affected with the disease, and virtually nothing was being done to help infected Oklahomans.  By the end of the year, the group had formed the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund for the purpose of raising local money to help local people.

The first Red Tie Night was held in 1992 and netted nearly $9,000, which was awarded in grants to two agencies.

Through the years Red Tie Night has grown to be the single-largest fundraiser in Oklahoma, netting nearly one-million dollars in 2008, and resulting in 20 grants last year. 

Since its inception, OACF has awarded $5,913,502.00 in grants to agencies throughout the state who provide treatment and services for Oklahomans living with HIV/AIDS.

For additional information on the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund or go to www.okaidscarefund.com