HIV and AIDS: What are they?
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. And it is this virus which is capable of damaging the body's defence system in such away that it is unable to fight off certain infections. If a person with HIV is to suffer from a serious illness then they are diagnosed with a condition called AIDS (this stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).There is unfortunately no cure for HIV or AIDS, however many of the diseases that HIV sufferers are prone to are treatable. Many look and feel healthy when they have HIV for a long time, sometimes this can span ten or more years. However they will eventually go on to get AIDS. Another thing we must consider is that at this time there is no vaccination against HIV and so it is vital for people to understand the nature of HIV and AIDS and techniques used for prevention. It is also important to understand how HIV is transmitted and this series of fact sheets aim to achieve these aims.
HIV and AIDS: How are they passed on?
In the UK there are three main ways in which HIV can be passed on and we will now examine these.The first is by having vaginal or anal sex without a condom with someone who has HIV. Unprotected anal sex carries a particular high risk and that is why there have been, in the past, claims that HIV and AIDS were a “gay plague”; it is also the reason that in the past there have been higher infection rates with gay and bisexual men than with heterosexuals (which is now no longer the case).
Unprotected vaginal sex also carries a high risk. This is because it can be passed on be either the man or women to their sexual partner through either semen or vaginal fluids (which includes menstrual fluids).
The second way in which HIV can be transmitted is through the sharing of needles, syringes and other drug injecting equipment that can be effected by HIV. If you continue to use drugs then there are some guidelines to ensure you do not contract HIV. Firstly always use your own equipment or 'works'. Secondly needle exchanges also provide free sterile equipment and can easily dispose of drug injecting equipment safely.
If you do use someone else's equipment you can reduce the risk by cleaning the equipment thoroughly, with water and then bleach. BUT THIS IS NOT AS SAFE!!!
If you want to give up your drug habit you can call the 24hr, confidential national drugs helpline on 0800 77 66 00.
Also drug use doesn't just apply to people using illegal drugs; it also applies to those using medical/prescription drugs.
The third way in which HIV is commonly spread in the UK is from a woman with HIV to her baby during pregnancy, at birth or through breastfeeding. Please see the separate fact sheet for more information.
HIV and AIDS: Ways it cannot be contracted.
1. You cannot be infected with HIV by: kissing, hugging, touching, and shaking hands.2. Sharing crockery or cutlery, or by using the same clothes, towels, toilet seats and doorknobs as someone who is infected.
3. Coughing and sneezing are not ways in which the virus is transmitted.
4. Insect bites do not pass on the infection.
5. Tears and sweat do not pass on the infection.
6. Swimming pools are safe.
7. And it is impossible for the virus to be transmitted through food prepared by someone with HIV.
HIV and AIDS: Donating blood and blood transfusions.
All blood used for transfusions in the UK is screened for antibodies for HIV. So the risk of infection is insignificant. Furthermore blood plasma products i.e. Factor Eight are made safe by using specialist treatments. Although it is still possible for infection to occur in some parts of the world and it is important to get information when you are travelling abroad, for example The Traveller's Guide to Health.You cannot, in the UK, become infected with HIV when you are donating blood because all the equipment used is sterile and used only once!
Sources:
The Facts About HIV and AIDS, Health Education Authority 1990
Facts about Aids, HIV and the test, Hybu lechyd Cymru Health Promotion Wales 1996
Understanding HIV Infection and AIDS, Terrence Higgins Trust 1997
