HIV/AIDS

Close up of woman putting a red ribbon pin on her chest

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), a condition that impacts the immune system and eventually causes death. The main goal of the HIV/AIDS Program is to slow the spread of HIV in Shasta County. This is accomplished by providing active HIV/AIDS surveillance, education and prevention activities, HIV counseling and testing, as well as partner counseling and referral services.

HIV is a virus that is found in the following body fluids:

  • Blood
  • Vaginal Secretions
  • Semen
  • Breast Milk

HIV is a virus that is transmitted in the following ways:

  • Sex (oral, anal, vaginal)
  • Syringes/needles Services Program (drug, tattoo, piercing)
  • Blood transfusions, blood products or organ transplants prior to 1985
  • Mother-to-baby (before, during, and after birth) 

HIV infection can be prevented by:

  • Protected Sex (condoms or latex barriers)
  • Sex only with negative partner(s)
  • Not sharing syringes for drugs, tattoos, or piercings (Syringe Services Program)
  • Not sharing drug works (cottons, spoons, etc.)   

HIV/AIDS Hotlines:

  • National AIDS Hotline: 1(800) 342-AIDS (2437)
  • Spanish AIDS Hotline: 1(800) 344-7423
  • California AIDS Hotline: 1(800) 367-2437

Websites: