HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus, the virus that can lead to AIDS. The virus attacks, replicates within and destroys cells found in the immune system. As the immune system is gradually destroyed, so individuals become vulnerable to infections that a healthy person would usually be able to combat.
Signs and symptoms of HIV Some may experience a flu-like illness shortly after infection that may include sore throat, headaches, diarrhoea, aches and pains, swollen glands, high temperature and rash. Although there may be no symptoms for a long period of time, the person will be able to transmit the virus to others and damage to their immune system will be occurring.
Over time, because of the mounting damage to the immune system, a variety of infections are likely to occur. If left untreated, more and more damage to the immune system occurs and the illnesses become increasingly severe, leading eventually to an AIDS diagnosis.
Transmission and prevention of HIV HIV is a blood borne virus - in other words, it replicates in the blood cells, but it is also found in other body fluids. The most common routes for HIV infection are:
• During vaginal, anal or oral sex with an infected person; • Sharing needles, syringes or other drug paraphernalia (including filters, spoons and water) with someone who is infected; • An HIV-positive mother to her baby during pregnancy, delivery or while breastfeeding; • Sharing drug snorting equipment e.g. cocaine straws; • From donated blood, blood products or organ transplants in countries where screening is not undertaken, or prior to 1991 in the UK; • Tattooing and/or piercing with equipment that has not been properly sterilised; • A needle stick injury involving infected blood.
There are a number of ways to reduce the risk of transmitting the HIV virus, they include:
• Always using a male or female condom for vaginal, anal and oral sex; • Never sharing injecting equipment, e.g. needles, syringes or other drug paraphernalia (including filters, spoons and water) with someone who is infected • Never sharing drug snorting equipment e.g. cocaine straws; • Ensuring any donated blood, blood products or organs are screened for HIV; • Taking an antenatal HIV test; • HIV-positive mothers should not breastfeed their babies or donate breast milk; • Ensuring any equipment used for tattooing and/or piercing is properly sterilised; • Taking appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of needle stick injury, e.g. wearing gloves.
Treatment for HIV There is no vaccine for HIV. There is no cure for HIV. An infected person remains HIV-positive for life.
Not everyone who is HIV-positive will receive treatment. The condition will be monitored and treatment will be commenced when it is considered necessary. The current standard treatment for HIV is a combination of antiretroviral drugs. Each person will be prescribed a tailor-made treatment regime that may be adapted or changed from time to time.
