Health Matters

HIV and AIDS in Women

Guest: Dr. Bich-May Nguyen

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Did you know HIV can affect women differently than men? Dr. Bich-May Nguyen, a family physician in the Department of Health Systems and Population Health Sciences at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine explains.

“HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, while AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV infection when the immune system is damaged.”

“Women have a higher risk of getting HIV from sex than men and sexually transmitted infections are more serious and harder to treat in these women. Mothers can pass HIV to their babies during pregnancy, birth, and through breastfeeding. Treatment can decrease this risk.”

“The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. You can take steps to prevent getting HIV by using condoms or taking medications. Ask your doctor what is right for you.”

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