HIV/Aids

HIV (Human Immuno Deficiency Virus)

The virus that leads to AIDS. People who have the virus may appear to be well and healthy for many years following infection and are often unaware that they are infected.

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome)

A collection of life threatening conditions that happen as a result of HIV infection, damaging the immune system.

Signs and symptoms

There may not be any symptoms for many years following infection but as the HIV infection damages the immune system, minor illnesses begin to appear.  These include night sweats, swollen glands, weight loss, skin problems and thrush. As the illness progresses, more serious problems occur such as cancers, pneumonia and diseases that affect the brain – all of which are potentially life threatening.

Transmission

HIV is found in blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk and any activity that allows the exchange of these fluids from an infected person may result in transmission. The greatest risk of infection comes from unprotected sex (vaginal and anal) and sharing needle injecting equipment. A mother with HIV may pass the virus to her baby, either before or during the birth or through breast-feeding. Condoms should always be used for penetrative sex – vaginal, oral or anal – and needles and injecting equipment should not be shared.

Treatment

Free and confidential HIV testing is available from sexual health clinics. There is no cure or vaccine for HIV – early detection is essential so that therapy can be given to control the virus and symptoms. Knowing a person’s HIV status will enable health to be monitored and appropriate drugs to be prescribed – therefore testing is encouraged.