The Indiana State Department of Health is once again teaming up with other organizations to raise awareness of HIV.
The human immunodeficiency virus may be spread through shared drug injection equipment, as well as sexually or through blood and other bodily fluids. The virus destroys the cells that fight disease and infection, weakening a person’s immune system. That can lead to a severe condition called acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS.
However, symptoms may take several years to develop. That means the only way to know you’re infected is to be tested by a health care provider. While there’s no cure for HIV, it can be managed with medication.
The Indiana State Department of Health is hosting the 12th annual Statewide HIV Awareness event tomorrow in Indianapolis. It will take place from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. at the Pike High School Performing Arts Center. The awareness effort continues tomorrow afternoon with a community conversation on HIV and AIDS from noon to 1:30 at Brothers United in Indianapolis.