HIV AND AIDS

What is HIV?

HIV is a virus, which, if left untreated, will damage the immune system. This makes an individual at risk of developing certain types of infections and cancers. If this happens the person has developed AIDS.

How is HIV transmitted?

Sex and IV drug use are the commonest methods of transmitting HIV in the UK. The highest risk groups are men who have sex with men and people from certain countries in Africa.

Symptoms

Most people with HIV do not have any symptoms initially. It takes many years for the immune system to become seriously damaged. It is important to find out that a person has HIV before this happens, as medication to treat HIV is now very good, and will ensure that the individual remains well.
It is much harder for the treatment to work if it is started once a person becomes unwell with HIV.

Tests

The test for HIV is a blood test, which should be taken 12 weeks after the last time that the individual was at risk of infection.
Risk factors are considered to be:

  • Unprotected sex with an intravenous drug user or using IV drugs oneself.
  • Unprotected sex with someone born out with the UK- certain countries only.
  • For men, unprotected sex with another man, or for women unprotected sex with a bisexual man.
  • Unprotected sex with a sex industry worker (prostitute).

The HIV test can be performed in the Genitourinary medicine clinic, together with any other tests which may be required.

If you have any worries about HIV please contact a GUM health advisor for further information and to arrange a test on 01382 632 600.