HIV 101 - ICARE

What Is HIV?

Did you know that you can have HIV and not even know it? In fact, the Centers For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimates that one out of every 250 people in the United States is living with HIV.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS, a condition in which the human immune system is no longer able to fight off common bacteria and viruses. HIV is so damaging to the immune system that to an HIV infected individual, even a common cold can be life threatening!

HIV Disease can be confusing and most of us have lots of questions about it. Below are some common questions about HIV - just click on a question and you'll be taken to the answer. Of course, if you have other questions, you can email our volunteers, stop in or call the office (toll free in Southeastern Iowa) and talk to a trained HIV Prevention Specialist.

Where did HIV come from?
How common is HIV?
How can I catch HIV?
How can I prevent HIV?
How do I know if I'm HIV infected?
What do I do if I find out I'm HIV positive?

HIV Prevention Programming

The only cure for HIV is prevention and the best prevention is an educated public. That's why we're working day and night at ICARE to provide Southeastern Iowa with the most comprehensive HIV prevention programming available.

Some of our services include:

Book and Video Lending Library
Brochures and Magazines
Community Education
Home Run Program for Youth
Interactive Website
Prevention Education
Quarterly Newsletter
Speakers Bureau
Teen Peer Education Program
Workshops & Inservices

All programs at ICARE are free and open to the public. For more information on any of the prevention services available to the community, or to schedule a presentation for your group or organization, please contact ICARE