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| HIV |
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Other Name |
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human immunodeficiency virus |
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Where does it come from? |
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it is a virus which lives off its host and multiplies within it |
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HIV attaches itself to the white blood cells, which normally help us fight off infections |
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there are two strains of the virus – HIV1 and HIV2 |
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How is it passed on? |
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It is passed on by the exchange of blood or other body fluids from one infected person to another person ie: |
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unprotected penetrative vaginal or anal sex |
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oral sex, if cuts or sores are present |
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sharing any equipment used for injecting drugs – needles, syringes, glasses or water ampoules (sealed glass capsules), filters, spoons etc |
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blood transfusions or organ transplant – although in the UK and ‘western world’ they are all tested for HIV before use |
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infected breast milk |
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from mother to baby in pregnancy, where there is a 12-30% risk of passing HIV to the baby |
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How long does it take to show? |
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from anticipated time of infection, it takes 3-6 months for most people to react enough for the laboratory to detect an ‘antibody reaction’ to HIV in their blood |
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What might I notice? |
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There are usually not specific signs or symptoms to tell that you have contracted HIV |
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What tests would I have? |
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a specific blood test is necessary at present |
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this only tells your ‘HIV status’ (if you were HIV antibody positive or negative) 3 months ago, not for example yesterday |
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you may be asked to wait 3 months to have the test or if you are given the test straight away, advised to have it repeated in 3 months – either have ‘no sex’ or only ‘protected’ sex in that time and you will be advised not to put yourself at further risk |
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What treatment is there, if I have HIV? |
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if you know you are ‘HIV antibody positive’ (have caught the virus) and you get common illnesses – your doctor will probably give you antibiotics or other medicines, to keep you healthy and well |
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if they don’t know you’re HIV positive they might not give you antibodies |
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the reason for this is that normally, the ‘immune system’ fights off infection with only minimal help – but if you are ‘HIV antibody positive’ they might not give you antibodies |
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the reason for this is that normally, the ‘immune system’ fights off infection with only minimal help – but if you are ‘HIV antibody positive’, you could have reduced resistance and ability to fight off infection |
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the aim is to keep you healthy for longer and delay the onset of AIDS |
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at this time, scientists are working hard to find a cure |
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What should I do after I finish the treatment? |
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be advised by the doctor treating you |
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regular medical ‘check-ups’ are sensible |
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hospital clinics can refer you to all the other departments of the hospital for care, including dental care – if you find it difficult to get this help elsewhere |
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What about my partner(s)? |
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your partner should be checked in case they have the infection or to keep safe is they don’t |
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telling them may be hard for you and is something you may not feel able to discuss immediately |
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discuss this with your Health Advisor as they have experience of the dilemma of ‘who to tell, when and why’ |
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What about sex? |
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the consistent use of condoms is strongly advised |
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you may prefer to enjoy other forms of intimacy rather than penetrative sex |
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What about oral sex, anal sex and condoms? |
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it is important to protect yourself and your partner, even if you are both ‘HIV antibody positive’ |
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they may have other germs or a different strain of HIV, which might affect you and make you more ill if you catch them |
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What complications can come from having HIV? |
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HIV can lead to AIDS |
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you could be perfectly healthy for about 10 years without even realising you have been infected |
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during this time you could infect other people |
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Should I be treated for HIV? |
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the choice has to be yours and you should not decide to have the test without realising its implications |
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the ‘Health Advisors’ in GUM Clinics would advise you before you are tested and help you assess your own situation |
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you should be open and honest with them though, for it helps them work out your ‘risk status |
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there are advantages to having the test – although you may not want to know, or are too scared to know – you could be worrying for no reason and the only easy way to put your mind at ease is to be tested |
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the disadvantages are more to do with insurance companies, mortgage requests etc, although their attitude and the associated ‘stigma’ is changing |
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you can discuss it thoroughly with a Health Advisor at the GUM Clinic or through the Pride Project |
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if in doubt about anything – ask questions and keep asking until you have your answers |
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Will my doctor suggest I have the test? |
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generally, it is left up to you to decide about this |
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they may ask you to have it if, you are ill and they cannot find out what is wrong with you – otherwise, sometimes people who are ‘HIV antibody positive’ have a lower resistance to sexually transmitted infection than other people – so, if you keep getting recurrences of infection it may be suggested that you have the test |
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they would only ask this of you, after trying the usual treatments without success |
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How can I avoid getting HIV? |
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take time to get to know your partner before having penetrative sex together |
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careful and consistent use of condoms is wise, as protection against infection – even with another method of birth control |
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don’t share needles or injecting equipment of any sort if you use drugs |
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you may decide on other forms of intimacy, rather than penetrative sex |
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never assume that a ‘clean looking person’ is clear of infection |
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protect yourself – use condoms every time you have sex
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There are many leaflets and books written about AIDS and HIV, which explain the infection in greater detail. E-mail us for more help, advice, information and leaflets
Perhaps, you may like to make a list of questions you want answered before you speak to the ‘health professionals’ – they won’t mind. |
