HIV/AIDS

HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus – a virus that attacks the human immune system.

AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome – a collection of illnesses caused by HIV.

Caused by a virus, currently there is no cure, however, treatments are available to reduce the progression of the virus. It is no longer a fatal condition, it is a manageable one.

Present in blood, semen and vaginal fluids, cannot be passed on through kissing.

Is passed on mainly through sex without a condom, (this includes if the condom splits or comes off) but also through sharing injecting equipment for drug use, including Steroids or infected blood transfusions. N.B. All donated blood and blood products are screened for HIV in the UK, this is not always the case with blood/blood products received abroad.

HIV affects anyone, the virus does NOT discriminate. Anyone having sex without a condom, (this includes if the condom splits or comes off,) is at risk regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity.

Most people who become infected with HIV don't know they have HIV unless they are tested.

Testing involves a blood sample taken 3 months or more after infection.

If you've EVER had sex without a condom or the condom split or came off, get tested. It is better to know you have the virus so you can be monitored, treated and kept well, if you don't test, you will get ill. (See Sexual Health Services.)

PREVENTION... USE CONDOMS!!!