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What is HIV - AIDS
AIDS is the name of a variety of illness caused by
HIV, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Once HIV enters the body, it likes to hide and grow
and eventually kills what is called the T4 and CD4
cells. The T4 cells act like a conductor of a
symphony, instructing the other players what to do
and when to do it. Similarly, the T-4 cells instruct
the other fighter cells how and when to respond to
any invading infection. Generally, over a period of
years, someone with HIV will gradually lose these T4
cells and then their body can no longer fight off
diseases. When this occurs a person is then
considered to have AIDS (Acquired Immuno-deficiency
Syndrome). To date there is no cure for AIDS which
leaves the person vulnerable to opportunistic
infections. These are the infections which take
advantage of the bodies impaired immune system.
HOW YOU DO CATCH
IT!
HIV is passed from one person to another in sexual
fluids (both semen and vaginal), and from blood to
blood contact. This may happen during sexual
intercourse, from a mother who has the virus to her
baby during birth, or when having needles to inject
drugs. In New Zealand blood, semen and sperm donors
are screened for HIV, but it doesn't happen in all
countries at this time.
HOW YOU DON'T CATCH 1T
Mutual masturbation - hugging kissing, etc - insect
bites - sharing cups, plates, cutlery, etc - toilet
seats - sharing towels, linen, etc.
Nor do you catch HIV/ AIDS by working with, living
with, or caring For someone with HTV/ AIDS.
SAFE AND
SAFER BEHAVIOURS
Yes there is a difference. When we talk about safe
behaviours we mean behaviours in which there is no
chance of infection.
Safe behaviour is basically abstaining from all sex
with a partner
not injecting any drugs into your self.
For many people
this is not realistic or even desirable. Therefore
safer behaviours may be the next option. For safer
sex the use of a condom and a water based lubricant,
EVERY TIME you have sex is essential.
If you inject
drugs, whether it be opiates, steroids, or insulin
always use a needle and syringe. If a fit must be
reused then apply the 2x2x.2 method (rinse it 2 times
in cold water, 2 times with household chlorine
bleach, and rinse again at least 2 moret imes in cold
water or when you can no Longer smell any bleach from
your fit.
Remember, Its
generally impossible just by looking at someone to
tell if they have HIV Keeping yourself safe is your
no. 1. best precaution.
SYMPTOMS
The symptorns below are all common to other
infections or diseases so HIV/ AIDS is not an
automatic conclusion. - swollen glands, especially in
the neck, groin, and armpits persistent unexplained
tiredness recurring infections, such as shingles,
herpes simplex, and boils recurring fevers and night
sweats unexplained weight loss persistent diarrhoea
headache, including short term memory loss and lack
of concentration, shortness of breath and dry cough
skin disease, rashes, acne, and dry skin, persistent
white patches in the mouth and on the tongue.
HIV/AIDS TESTING
The test for HIV is a simple blood test. You can get
the test at an SHS (STID) Clinic, the Family Planning
Clinic or your GP it is free. It shows whether you
have signs of the virus. The test is confidential and
a code is used instead of your name. There is a
window period of up to 3 months prior to the test
where you may not pick up antibodies. If advised a
further test after another three month period may be
desirable.
All people requiring HIV tests should receive both
pre and post-test counselling which is also free.
Pre-test counselling prepares you for a possible
positive result, discussion on -general health and
your reasons for testing and risk status. Post-test
counselling involve discussion of the test result and
behaviour and lifestyle changes required to avoid
infection or as a result of infection
TREATING HIV/AIDS
Currently there is no cure or vaccine against
HIV/AIDS. In the fight against the virus is success
dependant on persuading people to change at-risk
behaviour.
Medical care can provide some relief from symptoms
and can treat opportunistic infections but the virus
itself cannot be eradicated or halted.
