HIV & AIDS

What is AIDS?

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the result of damage to the immune system caused by the virus HIV. Due to this damage, the body is unable to protect itself against 'opportunistic' infections (so called because they are caused by organisms which 'take the opportunity' to cause disease once the immune system has been damaged). 

What is HIV?

Infection with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is necessary for a person to develop AIDS. HIV infects key cells which co-ordinate the immune system's fight against infection, preventing the system from working properly.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is present in the blood, seminal fluid (cum) or vaginal fluid of infected people, but can only be passed on to another person if such a fluid gets into his or her bloodstream.
The main ways in which HIV can be transmitted are: 

• Through unprotected sex. HIV is unable to pass through good quality condoms. 
• Through blood-to-blood contact. This mainly happens through the sharing of injecting equipment amongst drug users. 
• Through blood transfusions or from infected blood products, such as those used to treat haemophilia if proper screening hasn't been done. Very rarely it can happen through occupational accidents amongst healthcare workers, such as 'needlestick' injuries. 
• From mother to baby during the course of pregnancy, birth or breast-feeding.

Who is most at risk of being infected with HIV?

Anyone having unprotected sex (anal or vaginal) with an infected person can be infected with HIV. In this country gay men have been disproportionately affected, with around 80% of infections within the UK occurring through sex between men.

Can I catch HIV through oral sex?

Oral sex has been shown to be less risky than unprotected anal sex, but this does not mean that it is risk-free. The danger is increased if you have cuts, sores or abrasions in your mouth or gums, or if you have an infection in your mouth or throat that is causing inflammation.
Individuals need to weigh up the risks and decide what they are willing to do. The following can reduce the risk of being infected with HIV through oral sex: 

• Get the insertive partner (the one being sucked) to use a condom.
• Stop oral sex before your partner ejaculates in your mouth. 
• Reduce the number of people you have oral sex with. 
• Stop performing oral sex altogether. 
• Only be the insertive partner.

What are the symptoms of HIV and AIDS?

Most people who become infected with HIV do not notice that they have been infected. Some have a short illness soon after they become infected. This illness may take the form of a sore throat, a fever or a rash, or, more rarely, severe illness. Some people report only a mild flu-like illness 2 to 6 weeks after contracting HIV, but others experience an illness serious enough to require hospitalisation.
The symptoms of symptomatic HIV and AIDS are caused by opportunistic infections, and not directly by HIV itself. Therefore there are a wide range of possible symptoms, which will vary from person to person, so it serves no real purpose to ask the question: what are the symptoms?

How is an HIV+ diagnosis made?

HIV can be detected by a blood test that looks for the antibodies caused by HIV. The majority of people produce antibodies by around 45 days after infection, therefore a person who thinks they may have been exposed to HIV should wait three months from the time of the risk before having a test. A test can be taken before this time, but may not provide a reliable result.
An HIV test is not an 'AIDS test' (there is no such thing).

When is an AIDS diagnosis made?

Before coming to a diagnosis of AIDS, doctors look at a variety of symptoms and tests (there is no 'test' for AIDS). Doctors will look for one of the opportunistic infections or cancers in the presence of underlying immune deficiency.

How are HIV and AIDS treated?

There is no cure that will eliminate HIV from an infected person's body, but the development of new and improved treatments both for the opportunistic infections and the underlying HIV infection have dramatically improved the average prognosis of those living with HIV.
The most significant developments in HIV treatment have occurred since 1995. Substantial reductions in death rates among HIV-positive people have been reported where infected people have access to the latest drug therapies. These drugs can delay or prevent progression to AIDS.

How can I prevent myself from becoming infected with HIV?   

• Use good quality condoms during sex. 
• Do not share needles if injecting drugs.

Where can I get an HIV test?