| WHAT
IS H.I.V?
H.I.V
(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a particular Virus that
if it gets inside a person's body can over time reduce the
effectiveness of a person's immune system, making it easier
for us to become ill with a number of other conditions or
infections.
HOW
IS H.I.V TRANSMITTED?
A person
can become infected with the virus if certain body fluids,
particularly blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk,
get inside a person's body. The main ways this can happen
include:
•
Having penetrative vaginal or anal sex (sexual intercourse)
without a condom.
•
Sharing needles, syringes or any of the equipment used for
injecting drugs-
•
Getting blood infected with H.I.V inside our body, such as
when sharing razors, toothbrushes or the equipment used for
tattooing or body/ear piercing.
•
Blood transfusions if appropriate precautions are not taken.
•
Possibly through oral sex without using a protective barrier
over the penis or vagina, especially if blood, cuts or sores
are present.
•
From a woman with H.I.V to her baby during pregnancy, delivery
and through breastfeeding. However, most children whose mothers
have H.I.V will not get the virus themselves and there are
various things that can be done to substantially reduce the
risks of transmission.
•
H.I.V is not passed on by social contact or through coughing;
sneezing; touching; hugging; kissing; insect bites; sharing
toilets, cups, plates, cutlery, swimming pools, bedding or
clothing.
WHAT
IS A.I.D.S?
If people
become infected with H.I.V and their body/immune system becomes
affected and damaged, various illnesses can develop. When
people get ill with certain illnesses that are related to
having H.I.V, a doctor may diagnose the condition known as
"A.I.D.S" (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome).
Most people with H.I.V can remain well for many years, particularly
with careful monitoring and various drugs and treatments,
but can pass on the virus to others.
WHO
CAN HELP?
When people
become infected with H.I.V they usually produce antibodies
in response. There is a general blood test that can identify
these antibodies. Anyone concerned can talk privately at a
'Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine' (G.U Clinic), which
offers free and confidential testing and help for all Sexually
Transmitted Infections, including H.I.V.
Anyone can go to a clinic. A doctor doesn't have to send them
and they won't tell anyone they've been. Contact the 'Leicester
Royal lnfirmary (G.U Clinic)' on (0116) 2585208.
Related
links
For
more information about AIDS/HIV try:
For
local sources of help:
- Leicestershire
AIDS Support Services (LASS)
Phone 0116 255 9995
Minicom 0116 255 9000
- LampDirect
- Samaritans
|
