(click to alter)HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This is a virus that can damage the body's defence system so it cannot fight of infections. This virus can go on to cause a more serious illness called AIDS, or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. There is currently no cure for HIV or AIDS and no vaccine to prevent people from becoming infected. Once someone is infected with HIV, they will remain infected for life. However it is important to note that while HIV is incurable, it is a treatable infection. In recent years, the more advanced treatments have lead to improved survival rates. Moreover, many HIV infected people can live with the virus for life and prevent it from developing into AIDS with the current treatments available.
HIV can be passed on from one person to another if blood, semen, pre-ejaculate, vaginal fluids or breast milk of an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person.
Specifically, this means that HIV is passed on by:
Although since the advancing in available treatments, parenting is a more realistic option, with more and more infected partners (either 1 or both partners) giving birth to healthy babies. In fact, if the mother is receiving treatment, the rate of mother to child transmission is less than 0.1%.
You can not catch HIV from swimming, sharing baths or towels, from toilet seats or from kissing.
You can pass HIV on without knowing you have the virus because it has no specific symptoms. In 2006, there were 73, 000 people living with HIV in the UK. Approximately 1/3 of people diagnosed with HIV in the UK do not know they have it until they have a blood test.
Although the symptoms are not specific, the types of symptoms an HIV infected person may show are:
Whether one wants a HIV blood test is entirely up to the individual. If you decide to have a blood test, it is important to understand that it is confidential. The advantage of getting a test is having the knowledge that you will have access to treatment and ensuring that you avoid transmitting the virus to others..
It may take months for HIV antibodies to show in the blood and prove any infections. Therefore if you have been in contact with a known HIV person or are worried you have been infected, it is important you come in for a test straight away, but also we will re-test you at further intervals if necessary.
It is also recommended that a screen for other infections be performed during your examination or appointment.
You can reduce the spread of HIV by:
