Human immunodeficiency virus or HIV is a virus that attacks the cells of the immune system. In healthy people, the immune system acts as a defensive barrier that stops us from getting sick from things like the flu virus or a bacterial infection. In people with HIV, these defensive cells (known as CD4 Cells) are taken over by HIV and destroyed. This results in a weaker and weaker immune system and a progressively sicker individual.
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and is caused by HIV.
It is important to note that not everyone who is HIV positive has or will develop AIDS.
A person is said to have developed AIDS when HIV infection is very advanced, that is when HIV has attacked and destroyed the immune cells to a point where a person is no longer able to fight off infections and the number of CD4 Cells has dropped below a certain level in a HIV positive person. If left untreated, it can take about 10 to 15 years for HIV to damage the immune system enough for AIDS to develop.
HIV is transmitted through blood and body fluids such as semen and vaginal fluids.
HIV can be transmitted through;
HIV cannot be transmitted through;
Use a condom every time you have sex and learn to use them correctly! If you are an intravenous drug user, always use clean sterile needles.
You can have a HIV test completed at your local doctor, hospital or family planning clinic. Check out YEAH to find the nearest sexual health clinic near you.
For many people finding out that you or someone you know is HIV positive is a very stressful and confusing time but there are MANY resources and organisations available all over Australia that can help you. YEAH’s site lists many of them.
In 1987 annual HIV diagnosis was at an all-time high with over 2000 people diagnosed that year. The Australian government carried out a HUGE campaign to raise national awareness of HIV/AIDS. The number of new HIV diagnoses decreased until 1999, but since then the number of diagnoses has risen. In 2013 the number of cases increased by 10%, that is the largest increase in 20 years!
Although the highest prevalence of HIV is among homosexual men in Australia, the number of women contracting HIV is on the rise. This is being attributed to an increasing number of young women travelling to countries, where they may not be aware there is a higher prevalence of HIV, and practicing unsafe sex or using drugs intravenously. Most women are infected as a result of heterosexual sex.
It is super important to learn about the myths surrounding HIV/AIDS and how it is transmitted so that we can minimize the hurt, fear and discrimination of HIV positive individuals.