HIV/AIDS

Background

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that can be contracted through:
  • ➢ Unprotected sex (vaginal, anal and occasionally oral)
  • ➢ Blood to blood transmission
  • ➢ Sharing of drug injecting paraphernalia
  • ➢ Mother to baby transmission
HIV has been around for at least 25 years and the test has been available since 1985. HIV attacks the immune system, a person can look and feel well for many years and may not know they are infected. However over a period of time HIV will damage the immune system, when this happens you may become susceptible to illnesses that a healthy immune system would be able to fight off. These are known as opportunistic infections.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a collection of infections and cancers that may develop in people who are HIV positive. A person is said to have AIDS when they develop one or more of these specific illnesses. There is no vaccine against HIV but there is treatment available.

Treatment of HIV with Anti-retroviral therapy has been available since the late 1990s and has improved and advanced continuously through ongoing trials. The medication is designed to stop the virus replicating and allow the immune system to recover.

HIV is now considered to be a chronic condition that with medical support and / or medication people can expect to live an active life. The early detection of the virus ensures that the virus can be monitored with regular check ups every 3-6 months where blood tests are performed to monitor the viral load and the CD4 count. These tests provide information on how the immune system is coping and monitors its response to treatment it is receiving.

The sooner someone who is HIV positive is tested and diagnosed the better as then they can be supported by both medical and social care, and their immune system may not be too damaged.

Statistics
Statistics

Latest figures from the Health Protection Agency (HPA) for the United Kingdom 2008
  • ➢ 7,298 newly diagnosed HIV positive people
  • ➢ 105 625 people living with HIV in the United Kingdom (UK)
  • ➢ 1/3 people do not know they are infected
  • ➢ 1:20 gay and bi sexual men are now living with HIV
  • ➢ Young people 16 – 24 year olds accounted for 10.5% of newly diagnosed in 2006
  • ➢ People aged 55 years and over accounted for 1:20 people accessing HIV care
  • ➢ Injecting Drug Users (IDUs) accounted for 2.3% of newly diagnosed in 2008 compared to 0.7% in 2000
  • ➢ This calculates to 168 HIV diagnoses where infection is thought to be from IDU in2008

Source: www.hpa.org.uk

PREVENTION

Condoms are the most effective protection against transmission of HIV, Hepatitis B,C, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Use in conjunction with water-based lubricants.

Condoms are available free at the Sexual Health Service Clinic, St Marys Hospital, Newport: Phone: 534202

For Young People the Condom Distribution Scheme is available, for further information: www.ruthe1.co.uk

Condoms are also widely available to purchase from various outlets.

Needle exchange available from pharmacies
Island Drugs and Alcohol Service (IDAS), 102, Carisbrooke Road, Newport: Phone no: 526654

Testing

Free confidential testing is available at the Sexual Health Service Clinic, St Marys Hospital, Newport: Phone 534202 for appointments

Support and Advice

Kate Suitor, Blood Borne Virus Care Manager:
Phone 550980 Mobile: 07976 009226 Email: [email protected]



Page last updated on: 17/12/2009