HIV/AIDS

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Contrary to popular belief not only is HIV/AIDS still around, but it is actually on the increase. According to figures published by the United Nations AIDS program, there are now 42 million people living with HIV world wide, and 3.2 million are children.

In Britain, around 41,200 people are thought to be infected with HIV, and a third of them do not know.  The highest rate of new cases ever was recorded as recently as 2001.  The number of people infected in the UK is expected to rise by 50% over the next five years.  Fifteen thousand people have died of HIV-related diseases so far.

HIV

HIV stands for "Human Immunodeficiency Virus".  This virus gets inside our body and then stops our immune system from working properly. This happens over a period of time and the length of time taken is different for each person.  When the immune system is disrupted, we are more prone to infections.

Normally when infections get inside us, our own immune system knows about it. There are a lot of different "cells" spread around inside us that have different roles to play in fighting infection. They move around the body where ever they are needed. The two main types are red blood cells and white blood cells.  The white blood cells are split into two main camps

• "B cells" identify foreign organisms and signal other cells to attack it.
• "T cells" are split into types:
  • CD4 cells organise the immune system's response to infection.
  • CD8 cells attack and destroy infected cells.

HIV is different from other viruses in that it attacks the CD4 cells and makes them produce more HIV virus.

How does HIV get inside our bodies?

It is mainly passed on through body fluids.  The main fluids are:

• Breast milk
• Blood
• Semen
• Vaginal fluids.

The most common ways that HIV gets inside our bodies include:

• Penetrative sex (without a condom)
• Drug equipment (if it's already been used by an infected person)
• Getting blood infected with HIV inside us, such as sharing razors, or tatooing or body/ear piercing equipment.
• A woman to her baby during birth, or breast feeding.

What is AIDS?

Although with careful medical interventions such as various drugs and treatments, many people with HIV can stay well for many years. Some people will still have times of illness, and people still die of AIDS-related illness.

If someone with HIV does become ill with one or more of a number of particular illnesses, they may be diagnosed medically as having "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome" (AIDS).

AIDS itself is not a virus or a single illness. It is a term used to describe certain illnesses connected with HIV.

Help & Support

One place to go is the Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine (GU) clinic at a large hospital.  The clinics are free and confidential.  Anyone can go; doctors do not need to refer you.

There may be a specialist agency offering information, emotional support and practical help in your area.  In Leicestershire, this agency is http://www.lass.org.uk

National AIDS  help line (24 hours) Call: 0800 567 123

Ethnic Language Call: 0800 917 2227

The First Year-HIV: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed

Brett Grodeck

Over 54,000 people in the UK are living with HIV. This figure was up nearly 20% in the past year - and a third of these people do not know their HIV status. Since the 1980s, the number of people living with HIV in the UK has generally increased by about 10% every year.
The First Year-HIV is unique because it guides readers from day one of their diagnosis through the first seven days, then through the next three weeks, and finally through the next eleven months of their first year.
Written by a patient advocate who’s had HIV for over 17 years and edited by a top HIV-treating doctor, the book provides answers and options for anyone newly diagnosed with HIV. It helps readers come to terms with their condition—and assists them in making healthier lifestyle changes.