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HIV….the facts

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system (the body’s defence against diseases and infections), if left undiagnosed/untreated it can damage the immune system so much that the body is unable to defend itself. When someone is infected with the HIV virus they are described as being HIV Positive.

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Virus) is a DIAGNOSIS that HIV positive people get when their immune system is very weak (CD4 count below 200) or they have developed an AIDS defining illness. For example: TB, Recurrent Pneumonia and Kaposi’s sarcoma. There are approximately 29 AIDS defining illnesses which are a result of the HIV infection.

How can you catch the HIV virus?

  • HIV is transmitted through infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk
  • Activities that allow HIV transmission:
  • Unprotected sexual contact – Vaginal, Anal & Oral *
  • Direct Blood Contact – Sharing Needles or Syringes *
  • Infection during Pregnancy, Child Birth or Breastfeeding *
  • With someone who is HIV Positive *

HIV IS NOT TRANSMITTED THROUGH:

  • Food
  • Coughing & Sneezing
  • Shaking Hands
  • Animals or Insects
  • Tears
  • Sweat
  • Sharing eating utensils
  • Toilet Seats
  • Hugging/Kissing
  • Anything that doesn’t involve infected:
    BLOOD, SEMEN, VAGINAL FLUIDS or BREAST MILK

What are the symptoms of HIV?

Many people have no symptoms and are unaware that they have become infected with the virus. Some MAY experience flu-like symptoms a few days or weeks after infection. This can include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, sore throat, rash and diarrhea. In response to these symptoms, physicians diagnose the flu. But unfortunately, a number of those people with these vague, indistinct symptoms have a much more serious illness than the flu; they have contracted the HIV virus.

There are currently an estimated 83,000 people living with HIV in England – 20,000 unaware of their HIV status (Data Health Protection Agency 2010)

HIV TESTING is the only way to know for sure if you are infected
If you think you have put yourself at risk go for a test

What is an HIV Test?

An HIV test is a simple, you can now have a finger prick test which gives instant results. If the test is reactive, you would be referred for a blood test which checks to see if there are any HIV antibodies in your blood stream. The blood is taken from your arm.

However it can take up to 3 months after someone becomes infected for the antibodies to show up in a test.

You can get a HIV test for FREE and in complete confidence, from: Herts Aid, G.U.M clinics, some GPs and HIV service providers.

HIV Treatment

There is NO cure for HIV

But there are drugs which can be taken to slow the virus down although these can have side effects such as: Sickness, Diarrhoea, insomnia

When an infected person’s CD4 count falls below 350 their doctor will talk to them about starting Anti-Retroviral Treatment (anti-HIV drugs). These drugs help to control HIV by stopping it from copying itself and invading other cells.

BUT they DO NOT KILL IT! With HIV locked away, the immune system can re-build itself.

How can you protect yourself from HIV?

Have PROTECTED SEX (ORAL, ANAL or VAGINAL) Use a barrier method of contraception – CONDOM, FEMIDOM or DENTAL DAM

Do NOT share needles or syringes

Get TESTED – The sooner you get tested the better

KNOW YOUR HIV STATUS