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AIDS & HIV
HIV
is a virus that can damage the body's defence system so that it cannot
fight off certain infections. If someone with HIV goes on to get certain
serious illnesses, this condition is called AIDS
- HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus
- AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Is there a cure?
At the moment, there is no cure for HIV or AIDS, but there are medicines that people with HIV can take that significantly slow down the progression to AIDS
How big is the problem?
HIV infection is spread throughout the world. But there are some parts
of the world - such as sub-Saharan Africa, Southern Asia and Eastern Europe
- where known levels of infection are higher than in others. The risk
is higher in countries with more people infected with HIV, but the risk
of infection is everywhere. World-wide, the commonest way of becoming
infected with HIV is by sex between men and women
How is HIV passed on?
The commonest transmission methods are:
- having vaginal or anal sex without a condom with someone who has HIV
- unprotected oral sex also carries some risk
- a mother with HIV to her baby during pregnancy, at birth or through
breastfeeding
- sharing needles, syringes or other drug-injecting equipment that is contaminated with HIV infected blood.
You cannot get HIV through:
- kissing, touching, hugging or shaking hands;
- sharing crockery and cutlery;
- coughing or sneezing;
- contact with toilet seats;
- insect or animal bites;
- swimming pools; or
- eating food prepared by someone with HIV.
Can I get HIV from being treated by my doctor or dentist?
Doctors, dentists and other healthcare workers use precautions when dealing
with patients to prevent any risk of infection
What about giving first aid?
It makes sense for anyone giving first aid to follow standard hygiene
and safety precautions and avoid direct contact with the injured person's
blood. If you do get someone else's blood on your skin, simply wash it
off
What if I come across a used needle or syringe?
Don't touch the metal needle. If you are pricked by a used needle, pinch
the wound to make it bleed, clean the area and wash it with soap and water.
Cover it with a plaster and get medical advice
What about tattoos and skin piercing?
Anything that punctures the skin, including tattooing, acupuncture needles
and equipment for ear-piercing, body-piercing or removing hair by electrolysis,
could pass on HIV and other viruses carried by blood (for example, Hepatitis
B and C). Reliable practitioners will use disposable equipment or sterilise
it before use. Ask if you are unsure and only go ahead with the procedure
if you are satisfied that sterile equipment is being used
What about medical treatment abroad?
As some countries do not have the same standards of medical and dental
care as in the UK, there may be a risk of getting HIV from infected blood
transfusions, blood products and from un-sterile medical equipment. When
you are visiting certain countries, you may want to take your own first-aid
kit, including sterile needles and syringes
What about having sex abroad?
No matter where you
are, or how widespread the virus is in the country you're visiting, the
main ways of passing on HIV are the same. It's important to plan ahead.
If you think you might meet a new partner, take a supply of quality condoms
with you
What is safer sex?
In terms of protection against HIV, a simple way of understanding safer
sex is to see it as any sex that does not allow an infected partner's
blood, semen, or fluid from the vagina to get inside the other partner's
body
How safe is oral sex?
Oral sex is where one partner uses their tongue or mouth to stimulate
their partner's genitals. There is a very small risk of infection through
oral sex, but it is less risky than vaginal or anal sex without a condom
How important are condoms?
Condoms provide a very effective barrier against HIV. They also help protect
against other sexually transmitted infections as well as unplanned pregnancies
If I stick to one partner do we need to use condoms?
If you and your partner are both HIV negative, stay negative, and have
not had other sexual partners, then you cannot get HIV through sex
And if I don't stick to one partner?
Always use condoms with other partners you may have. The more partners
you have unprotected sex with, the more likely you are to come into contact
with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections. Remember - condoms also protect against other sexually transmitted infections
and unplanned pregnancy
Where can I get tested for HIV/AIDS?
NHS sexual health (GUM) clinics offer free HIV testing and screening for
other infections - Leeds
Sexual Health Clinic. You will see
a doctor, a trained counsellor (health adviser) or a nurse practitioner
in private. He or she will explain what the test involves and what the
results mean. The test will go ahead only if you agree to have it done.
A small sample of blood will be taken from your arm, sent to a laboratory
and tested. Ask your doctor or counsellor to explain how you will be told
of the result
What does the result tell me?
HIV negative - No antibodies to HIV were found in your blood. This usually means that you do not have HIV. However, a single negative test result may not be enough to rely on. It can take up to three months, and sometimes longer, for HIV-antibodies to show up in the blood test after someone becomes infected. Because of this 'waiting period', some people who test negative may be advised to have another test. The clinic staff will be able to tell you when this will be done. Also, even if you get a negative result, you can still become infected in the future if you put yourself at risk
HIV positive - Antibodies to HIV were found in your blood. You have HIV. This does not tell you whether you have AIDS. Being HIV positive means you will need to look at ways of taking particular care of your own health. It also means that you can pass on the virus to others, but only in certain ways, so: always use a condom for vaginal, anal or oral sex, if you inject drugs do not let other people use your equipment, and remember, you cannot pass on the virus through everyday social contact
Who gets to know the result?
If you have the test at a clinic, the result is strictly confidential
to you and the staff directly concerned with your medical care. Staff
will advise you about consulting your GP. Nobody will be told of the result
without your permission
What are some of the practical effects of having the test?
Looking after yourself - if your test results are positive, knowing you have HIV will allow you to get advice and counselling about your own future health. There are combination treatments that can help delay the onset of AIDS. You can discuss whether or when to start the treatments with medical staff at the clinic. Starting your treatment at the right time can affect how well it works
Life insurance - if you apply for life insurance you will be asked if you are HIV positive. If you are, your application is likely to be turned down. By law, the insurance contract will not be valid if you do not give accurate information. You will also be asked to give permission for your GP to provide information from your medical records about any positive HIV test result. You should not be asked if you have ever had an HIV test and tested negative
Employment protection - a number of employers now have a policy that prevents discrimination against people because they are HIV positive. And in some cases, it is illegal to discriminate against someone with HIV
Visas - some countries do not allow people with HIV to enter the country, or need proof of a negative test result before they will issue a visa or-work permit
What do I say or do if I know someone has HIV?
Someone with HIV or AIDS is just like everybody else and should be entitled
to privacy and respect. The last thing someone with HIV needs to have
to deal with is other people's fears and prejudices. Remember, you are
not at risk of infection from someone with HIV through everyday social
contact. Don't break up a friendship because someone you know has HIV
or AIDS. Friendship and support are two of the most important things you
can offer
Source: Health Promotion England, 2000
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