The 1st of December, World AIDS Day, is the day when individuals and
organisations from around the world come together to bring attention to the
global AIDS epidemic. 2011 marks the 23nd anniversary of World AIDS Day.
While we have come a long way since 1988, there is still much more to be done.
Statistics
Currently there are approximately 33.4 million living with HIV and 2.7 million
peolpe newly infected with HIV in the world every year. Everyday 5,500 people
around the world die from HIV, according to WHO statistics.
Whats is HIV/Aids?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks and weakens the
body’s immune system. HIV makes it difficult for your body to fight against
infections and cancers.Your body produces antibodies to fight off infection.
Although these antibodies cannot destroy HIV, their presence is used to confirm
HIV infection. HIV tests look for antibodies not for the virus itself. If a HIV
positive person does not get proper treatment they can progress very quickly to
AIDS.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is a disease in which the
immune system breaks down and the body is unable to fight off certain
infections.
How is HIV spread?
 The virus is passed through blood and body fluids. This means that blood,
semen, women’s vaginal liquids and breast milk can all carry the virus.
 You can get HIV from sex (vaginal, anal, oral or sharing sex
toys) without using a condom. The risk of getting HIV from oral sex is
low but it CAN happen especially if there are cuts or sores on the vagina,
penis, mouth or throat or if the woman has her period.
 You can also catch HIV from infected blood and blood products and by
sharing needles, syringes or other injecting equipment that hasn’t been
properly sterilised, or from sharing razor blades. A woman with HIV can
pass the virus to her baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.
However, nowadays you can prevent the baby becoming HIV positive by
giving the mother special treatment before, during and after delivery.
What are the symptoms?
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You need to have a blood test to find out if you’ve got HIV. It can
take three months after initial exposure to HIV for a HIV test to
show positive. Therefore if the risk of being infected with HIV is
recent, the doctor will recommend that you have another blood test
at three months.
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It takes 7-10 years for most HIV positive people to show symptoms
of the illness.
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Early symptoms can include swollen lymph glands in the throat,
armpits and groin, fever, headaches, tiredness and muscle pain.
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If you are HIV positive you might be healthy for years but can still
pass the virus to other people.
What treatment can you get?
There is no cure for HIV and AIDS but there are treatments available that slow
down the progress of HIV. If you are pregnant and HIV positive you can
receive treatment during pregnancy and labour that help prevent the risk of your
baby being infected by the virus. You need to talk to your doctor about the
available options. Your partner and recent partners should also be tested.
How can you avoid getting HIV and AIDS?
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Monogamus relationship with an uninfected partner.
You will significantly reduce your risk if you always use condoms
during vaginal sex, oral sex and anal sex with all partners. Make
sure that both you and your partner are tested for sexually
transmitted infections before deciding to stop using condoms.
If you take drugs involving injection, never share needles or
equipment with other people and disinfect needles before using
them.
If you’re getting a piercing or tattoo ensure the needles are new or
sterilized.
Avoid sex if you or your partner has sores, raw skin or blisters
around the vagina, anus (bum) or penis.
It's important to remember that in the Western world, many people
who are HIV positive now live to a ripe old age thanks to modern
treatment.
*SAFER SEX CAN PREVENT HIV AND AIDS *
Contact the DIT Student Health Centre to arrange an STI Screen