HIV

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and is a complex virus which infects CD4 white blood cells and stops the immune system from working properly.

Over a period of time the immune system becomes so compromised that the body becomes vulnerable to infections that it might otherwise fight off with ease. These infections are known as “opportunistic infections” and this is when a diagnosis of AIDS might be made.  AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome but is rarely found in the UK now as early diagnosis and treatment means that few people progress to this stage.

Symptoms

After someone has been infected with HIV, flu-like symptoms can appear within about 3-6 weeks.  These often settle down within a few weeks and can be mistaken for another virus.  It can be anything from a few months up to around 10 years before further symptoms develop.

Infection

HIV is preventable.  It is only transmitted through

• unprotected sexual intercourse (anal or vaginal),
• transfusion of contaminated blood,
• sharing of contaminated needles, and
• between a mother and her infant during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding. 

HIV cannot be transmitted through

• saliva,
• sweat, or
• urine.

Testing

A range of tests for HIV are available.  You can get an HIV test at your local GUM (Genitourinary Medicine) clinic or at your GP surgery.

Click here to find your nearest GUM clinic.  

Treatment

When someone has been diagnosed with HIV they can be treated with antiretroviral drugs.  This treatment reduces the levels of the virus in the blood by limiting its capacity to reproduce however it is not a cure.

For more information on HIV use the following links:

• NAM
• HIV Scotland
• National AIDS Trust