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Frequently Asked Questions About HIV/AIDS |
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
HIV is infectious and can be transmitted from one person to another. AIDS is a set of illnesses sometimes called opportunistic infections, which affect people with advanced HIV. AIDS cannot be transmitted to another person, only HIV.
What are the main ways of becoming infected with HIV?
- Sharing injecting/piercing equipment;
- Unprotected penetrative sex (ie anal or vaginal sex without a condom or dental dam); and,
- HIV+ mother to her baby, before and during birth or through breast feeding.
Exposed to normal atmospheric conditions, how long does HIV live outside the body?
HIV can only live outside of the human body for a short period of time.
What are the five body fluids likely to carry enough HIV to be infectious?
The body fluids are: blood; vaginal fluids; menstrual fluids; semen and breast milk. Pre-ejaculatory fluid should also be considered a risk as it is likely to contain enough HIV to be infectious.
What are the first symptoms of HIV infection?
Some people may experience no symptoms when initially infected with HIV. Those who do, may experience flu-like symptoms, ie: fatigue, fever, chills, nausea, headaches, diarrhoea and swollen lymph glands in the neck, armpits or groin. This is known as the seroconversion illness.
What are antibodies?
Antibodies are chemicals that the immune system produces in order to fight disease. The body produces unique antibodies for each virus.
What is meant by the Window Period?
The window period is the time lag between when the immune system produces HIV antibodies, and when these antibodies can be detected by an HIV antibody test. The HIV antibody test looks for the presence of HIV antibodies, not the virus itself. It can take between 2-12 weeks before the immune system produces enough antibodies to be detected. If a first test comes back negative, it may mean that sufficient detectable HIV antibodies have not been produced, even though the person may be infected with HIV. It is recommended that a second test be taken 12 weeks after the risk of infection occurred.
How long does it take to produce antibodies?
For the purposes of an HIV antibody test, this can be up to twelve weeks.
How does HIV affect the immune system?
HIV has the ability to 'lock on' to the surface of the T4 ('Helper') cells, the very cell that helps start off the immune response. HIV then moves inside the cell, where it begins to reproduce. During this process it copies the unique DNA code of the host cell, so that new HIV cells are no longer identified by the body as foreign, therefore the immune system no longer responds to them. HIV multiplies inside the T4 cell. When the T4 cell is full of HIV, it breaks open, killing the T4 cell, and releasing more HIV into the bloodstream. The virus will continue to invade and destroy T4 cells. Eventually the body can't replace the T4 cells fast enough, and the immune system deteriorates. When the immune system has deteriorated to the point that it is unable to fight off diseases a person is diagnosed with AIDS.
Can HIV be transmitted by mosquitoes?
No. There is no scientific data to support the idea of insect transmission, and a great deal to refute it. HIV cannot survive in insects.
Apart from abstinence, what is the best way to minimise HIV transmission in relation to penetrative sex (vaginal and anal)?
Condoms used correctly, with water-based lubricant are the most effective means of preventing HIV transmission in relation to penetrative sex.
What do you need to consider when assessing the risk of HIV transmission in relation to oral sex?
Oral hygiene or recent oral surgery. That is, if there are any cuts, scratches or sores in or around the mouth that might provided a point of entry for HIV. Oral sex is safer if condoms or dams (a square of latex used to prevent direct oral/anal or oral/vaginal contact) are used.
How long should you practise safer sex with a new partner?
Until both partners are tested twice (at times over three months) for consistent negative results, and feel secure they are in a monogamous (one partner) relationship.
What is the only way to guarantee no risk of HIV transmission in relation to injecting drugs?
A new syringe for every hit, NEVER share any needles / syringes or injecting equipment such as tourniquets, spoons, filters etc.
What is available through the WA AIDS Council Needle Exchange Service?
- Information about harm reduction and safer behaviour in relation to sex and injecting
- Injecting equipment, condoms, lubricant and dams.
- Free syringes on exchange of used equipment.
Where can you get an HIV test?
An HIV test is available at most GPs. Some other places to get a test are Royal Perth Hospital,
Infectious Disease Department at Fremantle Hospital, FPWA Sexual Health Services and the Women's Health Services. For more information on testing see "HIV Testing, Confidentiality and Disclosure" fact sheet.
Want More Information?
If you have any questions or concerns about HIV/AIDS - about safer sex, HIV transmission, HIV testing, support services, or sexuality issues please phone:
AIDSLINE
Confidential phone service 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday
(08) 9482 0044
aidsline@waaids.com
WA AIDS Council
664 Murray Street, West Perth 6005
telephone (08) 9482 0000
www.waaids.com
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