HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV attacks the body's immune system, the body's defence against disease, so that it can no longer fight off certain infections.
HIV is the virus that causes the incurable and life-threatening medical condition called AIDS.
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. A person would have an AIDS diagnosis when their immune system has become so weak that it can no longer fight off a whole range of diseases with which it would normally cope.
This is a much debated subject. HIV is found in blood and semen, so this is a possible transmission route. It is considered to be low risk, but there have been a few recorded cases of transmission through oral sex. The risk may increase if a person ejaculates in another person's mouth. There may also be an increased risk if a person has bleeding gums or sores anywhere in the mouth or around the lips (or the genitals), or if a person has inflammation caused by common throat infections or sexually transmitted infections. Using condoms or dental dams during oral sex can greatly minimise the risk of infection from HIV and other STI's. (Please see our pages on condoms and dental dams to make sure you know how to use them properly.)
Not yet. There are several potential vaccines undergoing extensive trials at the moment, but even if they prove to be of benefit, it will be some years before they are widely available.
No. Although there are new drugs to keep HIV under control, they do not completely get rid of the virus. Because there is no cure, once a person becomes infected with HIV, they stay infected for the rest of their lives.
Yes. There are treatments which can prolong life. Many people using these treatments have been able to live full, active lives. However, treatments are not necessarily easy and often bring their own problems. Some people on combination therapy have to take over 30 tablets every day and at set times, often experiencing bad side effects. Since the introduction of improved treatments the number of AIDS diagnoses has decreased since the mid 1990s and deaths from AIDS have decreased by 70% since 1996.
If you think you may have been exposed to HIV then it advisable to go for an HIV test. The sooner a person finds out their HIV+ status the sooner treatment can be organised to help keep HIV from damaging the immune system.
PEP (post exposure prophylaxis) is also an option for up to 72 hours after suspected infection. This is a course of anti-HIV medication that is taken daily over the course of a month to help stop HIV infection. If you have had unsafe sex or a condom hasn't worked and you feel you are at significant risk, then treatment needs to be started as soon as possible. PEP is available at sexual health clinics and hospital accident and emergency departments.
For more detailed information about HIV/AIDS (things like how it is transmitted, signs and symptoms, living with HIV) you can visit the Terrance Higgins Trust website at:
Hepatitis
What is Hepatitis?
Hepatitis is a viral infection that affects the liver. There are various different types of Hepatitis and the most important ones to be aware of are Hepatitis A, B and C.
What is Hepatitis A?
This is the most common form of Hepatitis, and is found in the faeces of an infected person. It can take a tiny amount of faeces to get inside another persons mouth to cause infection and is often passed on by eating contaminated by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. For this reason people traveling abroad to areas with poor sanitation are often advised to get themselves vaccinated agains Hep A. Good personal hygeine (such as handwashing) can minimise the risk of the virus being passed on.
Hep A can also be passed on sexually, particularly during activities such as anilingus (rimming) and unprotected sex.
Prevention
You can be immunised against hepatitis A with a series of vaccinations (please see below)
Washing genital and anal areas can help reduce the risk of transmission as does wearing condoms or using dental dams.
What is Hepatitis B?
Although similar Hep A in terms of its symptoms, it can cause chronic long term illness and permanent damage to the liver if not treated. Those people who have been exposed long term to the Hep B virus are at high risk of developing liver cirrhosis or liver cancer. Hep B is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more infectious than HIV and more than 350 million people worldwide are thought to be infected by the virus.
Like HIV, Hep B can be spread:
- by unprotected sex (when the penis enters the anus, vagina or mouth without a condom) with someone who is infected.
- by sharing contaminated needles or other drug injecting equipment
- by an infected mother to her baby, most commonly through delivery
- by using non sterilised equipment from tattooing, body peircing or acupuncture.
Prevention
Using condoms and dental dams can help reduce the risk of transmission. Like Hepatitis A you can be immunised against the Hep B virus with a series of vaccinations, and high risk groups including gay and bisexual men are advised to get immunised. (see below)
Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C, like other forms of hepatitis, causes inflammation of the liver, and can be the most damaging form of the disease. Hep C is gradually becoming more common amongst high risk groups including gay and bisexual men, injecting drug users, and people who have unprotected sex with multiple sex partners. The main route of transmission of the Hep C virus is through blood. Although heterosexual sexual transmission is an uncommon way of becoming infected with hepatitis C, recent studies have shown that sexual transmission is increasing amongst gay men,. Particularly those who are HIV positive, and who are becoming co-infected with both HIV and Hepatitis C. Worldwide estimates suggest 170 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis C.
The hepatitis C virus can be spread in the following ways:
- through exposure to blood during unprotected sex with an infected person. Blood may be present because of genital sores, cuts or menstruation. by sharing drug-injecting equipment (needles, heating spoons, etc).
- by using non-sterilised equipment for tattooing, acupuncture or body piercing.
- by sharing equipment used to snort cocaine. Usually this is a rolled banknote, which can become contaminated with blood from a person's nose.
Hepatitis C cannot be passed on by hugging, sneezing, coughing, sharing food or water, sharing cutlery, or casual contact.
Prevention
Currently, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C, but research is in progress. Injecting drug users should never share any needles, syringes or mixing spoons, as blood can be transferred between users.
Infection through penetrative sex does occur, although it is not common. If a person is infected with Hep C, it is advisable for them to use a condom for penetrative sex to ensure that they do not pass on the virus to their partners through any open genital cuts or sores.
People should avoid sharing toothbrushes, shaving equipment (especially razors), or anything else that may be contaminated with infected blood.
The doctor will advise the patient of any precautions necessary to avoid infecting others with the virus.
Immunisation for Hepatitis A and B
Immunisation for Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A immunisation is given by two injections in the arm. The first gives protection for a year. The second booster injection at 6 to 12 months after the first, will extend the protection for up to 10 years. Immunisation may be recommended to prevent hepatitis from developing if a person suspects they have been exposed to the virus.
Immunisation for Hepatitis B
Three immunisation injections are given over a period of 3-6 months. A blood test is taken once the course of injections is completed to check that they have worked. Immunity should last for at least 5 years.
Vaccinations for both forms of Hepatitis are available at sexual health clinics or your local GP.
Immunisations against Hepatitis A and B are also both available at Allsorts from the visiting health advisor from the Claude Nicol.
Where to go for help
If you have any symptoms or you are worried you may have been infected you should consult your doctor. They may be able to run tests themselves, or else will refer you to someone who can. You can also be tested for the different forms of the virus at your local sexual health clinic. To find your local clinic you can visit the THT website: www.tht.org.uk/howwecanhelpyou/clinics/
Other links that will provide more detailed information about Hepatitis (including signs and symptoms and treatment):
www.britishlivertrust.org.uk
www.britishlivertrust.org.uk
www.britishlivertrust.org.uk
www.hepb.org.uk
www.hepCuk.info
www.hepc.nhs.uk
www.britishlivertrust.org.uk
