Who is at Risk?

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a disease caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The virus damages the body’s immune system so that it cannot defend itself against infections and cancers. A person can be infected with the AIDS virus and still feel and appear to be healthy. Who is at risk for contracting the AIDS virus? You are at risk and should NOT donate blood if you have any of the following symptoms or conditions...

• Unexplained weight loss, fatigue or night sweats
• Blue or purple spots on the skin or mucous membranes
• Swollen lymph nodes lasting more than one month
• Persistent white spots or unusual blemishes in the mouth
• Unexplained fever greater than 99 degrees for more than 10 days
• Persistent cough or shortness of breath
• Persistent diarrhea
• Non-healing cold sores or mouth lesions
• You have had a positive AIDS test
• You are a male who has had sex with another male, even once, since 1977
• You have used or “shot up” illegal drugs with a needle, even once
  (including non-prescribed steroids)
• You are a hemophiliac
• You are a man or woman (or the partner of a man or woman) who has engaged in prostitution
• In the past 12 months you have been in jail or prison
• You have had sex with any person described above

If you are concerned about your possible risk and would like to be tested for HIV, you may obtain testing at the following Fresno facilities: