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No matter who you are or where you live you need to know about HIV and AIDS. Currently there are 33.2 million people worldwide living with HIV. 95% live in low income countries however many high income countries also have significant epidemics.
Australia is a world leader in the prevention, treatment and care of HIV/AIDS. In place is the 5th National HIV/AIDS strategy, which outlines the priority populations to be targeted. In Western Australia, there are a number of very hardworking agencies committed to the reduction of HIV and to the care of people living with the virus.
The strategies used include:
- education and health promotion through campaigns, written material and peer education;
- counselling and education services;
- information and support for HIV positive people; and
- home care and support for people living with HIV/AIDS.
What is HIV?
HIV is a virus that lives and reproduces in the human body. Over time, HIV destroys part of the immune system and renders it ineffective. When the immune system is sufficiently depleted it can no longer overcome infections, illnesses and some cancers. When a person contracts two HIV illnesses simultaneously they are usually given an AIDS diagnosis.
HIV STANDS FOR:
H Human: Requires human cells to reproduce and can only be transmitted between humans.
I Immunodeficiency: Deficiency of the immune system.
V Virus: Smallest known living organism.
AIDS STANDS FOR:
A Acquired: Caused by an agent, not hereditary.
I Immune: Pertains to the immune system.
D Deficiency: Incomplete or lacking.
S Syndrome: A collection of illnesses, sometimes occurring simultaneously.
HIV is infectious and can be transmitted from one person to another.
AIDS is the disease state which can be caused by living with HIV.
You cannot "catch" AIDS, only HIV can be transmitted from one person to another.
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