HIV/AIDS
Human
Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus that causes Acquired Immune
Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). HIV is most commonly spread by
sexual intercourse without a condom and through sharing injecting
equipment. Without treatment, HIV damages the immune system, making
the body less able to protect itself from illness. Eventually this
results in AIDS, where illnesses become so serious they are life threatening.
Although there is no vaccine or cure, effective treatments are available
which delay serious illness and improve quality of life.
Transmission
HIV
is found in blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. You can
catch HIV by getting blood or body fluids from an infected person
into your bloodstream. This can happen through:
•
Sexual intercourse (anal or vaginal) with an infected person where
a condom is not used
•
Sharing needles, syringes, and other drug injecting equipment
•
Mother to baby transmission during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.
Symptoms
of AIDS
Many
people with HIV/AIDS look and feel healthy. However, more than half
will develop a range of symptoms as the body's immune system reacts
to the virus. These may last for a few days to a few weeks and include:
•
Flu-like symptoms
•
Mouth ulcers
•
Swollen glands
•
Recurrent fever, night sweats and chills
• Diarrhoea
•
Persistent or dry cough.
These
symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than HIV Only a
blood test can confirm that HIV is the cause (see HIV tests).
IMPORTANT
HIV
is a fragile virus that does not survive very long outside
the body.
You
cannot contract HIV from:
•
Air conditioning
•
Sitting next to or touching someone who is HIV positive
•
Toilet seats
•
Giving blood at the blood bank
• Money.
No
evidence has been found to suggest that anyone has contracted
HIV through:
•
Sweat, saliva or tears
•
Coughing, sneezing or spitting
•
Swimming pools
•
Drinking bubblers
•
Mosquitoes or other biting insects.
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After
infection, many people can remain well with no symptoms for many
years. However, even if someone infected with HIV has no symptoms,
they can still spread the disease.Infection with HIV does not mean
a person has AIDS. A diagnosis of AIDS is made only when the immunme
system breaks down, leading to infections and cancers. Diagnosis
may require a number of special tests to be performed.
HIV
tests
Detecting
HIV
People
who become infected with HIV develop antibodies (proteins the body
makes to fight germs) to the virus. It can take up to three months
after infection with HIV before these antibodies can be detected.
The
HIV antibody test is a simple blood test which shows if a person
has been infected with the virus. The test does not tell if a person
has AIDS or will go on to develop AIDS. Test results are usually
available within 14 days.
If
the test detects antibodies, the person is said to be HIV-positive
(sometimes the term 'antibody-positive' is used).
It
is important that pre- and post-test counselling are provided when
having the test.
Monitoring
HIV
The
HIV RNA viral load test measures the amount of virus in people infected
with HIV. This test is used to decide when to start treatment. It
also helps to monitor the response to anti-retroviral medicines.
Treatments
The
earlier a person is found to be HIV- positive, the earlier treatment
can be started. Treatments for HIV improve quality of life and delay
serious illness.
Treatments
for HIV/ AIDS include medicines to:
• Reduce the amount of virus in the body (anti-rctrovirals)
•
Prevent the serious illnesses of AIDS (prophylactic or preventative
drugs)
• Treat infections and diseases that occur as part of AIDS.
Several
anti-retroviral medicines am now available. They slow down HIV and
may delay the onset of AIDS. Using different'
combinations of these medicines reduces the chances of the virus
becoming resistant to treatment. However, the medicines need to
be taken regularly and frequently as missed doses can give the virus
a chance to grow.Taking drug treatments for HIV/AIDS can be very
complicated and have a substantial impact on lifestyle and relationships.
Safe
sex
When
having sex (vaginal or anal), ahvays use a condom with a water-based
lubricant.
Other
forms of safe sex include:
•
Kissing, including wet kissing (providing there are no cuts or sores
in the areas, or bleeding gums)
•
Oral sex (avoid semen in the mouth and/or use a condom or dental
dam)
•
Rimming and fisting (with glove or barrier)
• Mutual masturbation
• Massage
•
Using dildos or vibrators (but never share them without cleaning
them first).
Talk
to your sexual partner about protecting yourselves and only have
safe sex.
Self
care
•
Protect yourself against infection.
•
Only have safe sex. Always use a condom.
• If you inject drugs, do not share injecting equipment and
dispose of it safely.
•
If you are at high risk of getting HIV, consider having an HIV test.
•
Do not share razors, toothbrushes, etc.
•
If you get any body piercing or tattoos, make sure the provider
uses sterile equipment.
•
If vou are at risk of HIV do not donate blood, organs or sperm.
•
If you travel, be aware that most countries have a much higher incidence
of HIV than Australia. Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist if you
have any questions about treatments for HIV.
Recommended
reading:
For
a perspective on HlV/Aids worldwide see the United Nations web Site
http://www.unaids.org
