This section contains some basic but essential information which we hope will be useful. Each article contains links to more in-depth and up to date information at other carefully selected websites.
What is HIV?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, a virus only found in the human population that gradually attacks and destroys the immune system. A person with HIV can develop serious infections and illnesses that a healthy immune system is more able to fight off.
The term AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is sometimes used to describe those in the later or advanced stages of HIV infection. It is when an infected person’s immune system is weakened and can no longer prevent certain life-threatening infections and illnesses.
Medication (avaiable free of charge in the UK) can very successfully manage and support a HIV positive person’s immune system allowing them to live a near normal life expectancy.
Symptoms of HIV
When first becoming infected, most people will develop a short-lived illness that may be similar to flu (for example, fever, aches, fatigue and sore throat). After a few weeks, these will usually disappear, however not everybody will experience these symptoms.
There may not be further symptoms for many years, however during this time the virus is damaging an important part of the immune system known as the CD4 cells. When the CD4 cell count becomes low, symptoms including unintentional weight loss, diarrhoea, skin rashes, ulcers or thrush infections in the mouth and genitals, sweats (especially night sweats), unusual tiredness, nausea (or loss of appetite) and swollen lymph glands may appear. A HIV specific medication regime is usually very effective in managing this damage to the immune system.
Transmission and Prevention
Compared to other viruses, HIV is not easily passed on from one person to another. HIV is found in some body fluids, so for HIV to be passed from one person to another, an infected (positive) person must pass the virus to an uninfected person during sex, through needle sharing or from mother to baby (during birth or breastfeeding). HIV can be transmitted through blood transfusions, although in the UK blood is now screened for HIV.
To prevent transmission during drug use, users should always use fresh needles and never share drug equipment with others. This also applies to those injecting steroids into their muscles.
Sex is the most common way for HIV to be transmitted as the virus is found in semen (cum) and vaginal/ anal secretions. HIV can be transmitted (passed on) through vaginal, anal or oral sex.
A very effective way to minimise risk during sex is by using a barrier, such as a condom, femidom or dental dam properly. To help reduce the risk of the barrier tearing, always use a water based lubricant and never an oil-based lubricants as they will weaken the protection.
More rarely, transmission has occurred during oral sex. To reduce this relatively small risk, a condom or dental dam can be used for oral sex.
Testing for HIV
Having a test for HIV is simple. You can get tested at a Sexual Health Clinic, formerly called GUM (genito-urinary medicine) Clinic, from a private clinic or from your family doctor (GP).
If you think you have put yourself at risk of acquiring the virus it is important you get tested as soon as possible. Furthermore if you are sexually active with different partners it is good practice to be tested regularly. If you are concerned about your confidentiality or whether HIV testing may be noted on your medical records at you GP, then you would be better to have a test done at a Sexual Health Clinic (GUM).
If you think you may have recently put yourself at risk of aquiring HIV, we would encourage you to attend a Sexual Health Clinic(GUM) or A&E department as soon as possible as PEP (post exposure propholaxis) may be recommended. PEP is a one month course of treatment that may reduce the risk of infection. It must however be started as soon as possible and within 72 hours of exposure.