Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that causes damage to the body's immune system.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) refers to a range of specific illnesses that people with HIV may get when their immune system is badly damaged. This can occur many years after HIV infection.

If a person has HIV, it does not mean they have AIDS. People with HIV can live many years without developing AIDS. Treatments have been effective in ensuring a sharp drop in the number of people with HIV who develop AIDS.

Some people who become infected with HIV will show symptoms. The symptoms can be flu-like and may include fever, swollen glands and a rash on the body. The symptoms will appear in the weeks following infection.

Many people who become infected show no symptoms at all. You can have HIV for many years and not know it.

HIV is transmitted by blood, semen or vaginal fluids of an HIV infected person entering the bloodstream of another person.

• HIV is usually transmitted through vaginal or anal sex without a condom.
• HIV can be transmitted by sharing drug injecting equipment, piercing or tattooing equipment.
• HIV can be passed on from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, at childbirth or by breastfeeding*.

There have been some cases of HIV transmitted by oral sex. In most of these cases sores, wounds, cuts, herpes or infections in the mouth were present. Without those factors it isn't considered easy for HIV to enter the bloodstream via the mouth or throat.

Pulling out before ejaculation is also unsafe, as fluid leaks from the penis during sex. This fluid can pass HIV.

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*Breastfeeding. Your doctor will be able to advise you on steps that can be taken to minimise transmission risk by breastfeeding.

• Casual contact, kissing or hugging or sharing utensils with someone with HIV or
• From their tears or sweat,
• Nor from mosquito bites.

• Use a condom and water based lubricant during sex.
• Use sterile equipment if you inject drugs and do not share any equipment.
• Get tested regularly for HIV.
• Get informed and talk about HIV/AIDS.

HIV can be diagnosed by taking a blood test. The most common test is an antibody test (it tests to see if antibodies have developed in response to exposure to HIV). The antibodies can take up to three months to develop, this is referred to as the ‘window period'. This means you have to wait for three months before testing to be sure of the results of your test.

If you believe you have been recently exposed to HIV, within the last 72 hours, there is a four-week treatment that may prevent you becoming infected. It is called PEP (post exposure prophylaxis). Ask your local doctor or sexual health clinic – but you need to do this not more than 72 hours after exposure.

While there is no cure yet for HIV or AIDS and no vaccine to prevent infection, there have been significant advances in the treatment of HIV.

The best treatment option available is taking a combination of anti-HIV drugs (known as antiretroviral drugs). The drugs have a range of side effects, from mild to severe and, in addition, require strict adherence to the dosing schedule to be effective.

While not a cure, combination treatments have proven effective for most people with HIV in improving their health and reducing progression to AIDS.

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