Health Information About HIV

1. What is HIV/AIDS?

HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The virus targets immune cells (predominantly CD4+ T cells and macrophages), thereby weakening the body’s immune system. As a result, people living with HIV are often more susceptible to other infections as the body cannot properly protect itself.

Once a person has very few CD4+ T cells, they are deemed to have developed AIDS. AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome. AIDS describes a collection of potential infections and symptoms linked to a poor immune system due to HIV infection.

2. What are the symptoms?

There are often no symptoms associated with HIV which is why regular testing is so crucial. Some people may present with a glandular fever-like illness immediately or up to 2 months post-infection. Ultimately, people with progressed HIV who do not receive treatment will be susceptible to infections and cancer.

3. How is HIV transmitted?

HIV may be present in body fluids, for instance, blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. The virus can be transmitted through penetrative sex (anal or vaginal), blood transfusion, sharing of contaminated needles, and from mother-to-child (during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding). However, HIV cannot be transmitted via insect bites, toilet seats, kissing, hugging, sharing cutlery or food, or bathing.

4. What are some prevention strategies?

Monogamous relations between uninfected partners.
Non-penetrative sex.
Consistent and correct use of male or female condoms.
People living with HIV/AIDS can have sex however they must take antiretroviral therapy (ART) AND have an undetectable viral load to prevent transmission to others. This is important even if both parties are HIV+ as they could have different strains of HIV.
People who are not infected with HIV but who are at-risk can take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision can reduce a man’s risk of contracting HIV from a woman.
If a person could have been exposed to HIV, they can take Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (ideally immediately/up to 72hrs post-infection) to limit their risk of contracting HIV.
If using needles, only use disposable needles or properly sterilized needles
Maintain blood safety standards when collecting blood and delivering blood transfusions.

5. What are my treatment options

While there is currently no cure for HIV, Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) can prevent a person living with HIV from being infectious. There are different types of ARTs but most aim to slow down the virus’s replication cycle allowing the immune system to fight back. The use of ARTs in combination has been shown to dramatically reduce AIDS-related deaths, reduce the viral load, and increase CD4+ T cell counts. There is extensive research being undergone worldwide to develop even more effective drugs for people living with HIV/AIDS.

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