HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This is the virus known to cause AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). If someone is HIV-positive, it means they have been infected with the virus.
A person infected with HIV does not have AIDS until the virus seriously damages their immune system, making them vulnerable to a range of infections, some of which can lead to death.
HIV is transmitted through body fluids in particular blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk, in fact there are only four ways you can become HIV positive.
In 2005, over 3 million people acquired HIV, which means there are now over 40 million people living with HIV and AIDS. Despite best efforts from governments, non-profit organisations and healthcare practitioners around the world, HIV and AIDS is
The best way to stop HIV being passed on is to use condoms during vaginal or anal sex, if there is any possibility that either partner could have the virus. It can take only a single episode of unprotected sex (i.e. not using a condom) with an infected partner for HIV to be passed on. Condoms are the only form of contraception that will protect you from HIV.
However, HIV is not always passed on the first time, so it's never too late to start practising safer sex.
For more information on safer sex visit the websites listed below:
Playing Safely http://www.playingsafely.co.uk This is an independent government funded web site providing information about sexually transmitted infections (including HIV).
The National African HIV Prevention Programme (NAHIP) http://www.nahip.org.uk The National African HIV Prevention Programme (NAHIP) is the national programme of HIV prevention initiatives targeting Africans in England. It aims to work with community-based organisations to implement national projects.
Metromate http://www.metromate.org.uk London's sexual health directory for gay men.
Brook http://www.brook.org.uk Brook provides free and confidential sexual health advice to young people under the age of 25.
still having huge global impact
However, HIV is not always passed on the first time, so it's never too late to start practising safer sex.
For more information on safer sex visit the websites listed below:
Playing Safely http://www.playingsafely.co.uk This is an independent government funded web site providing information about sexually transmitted infections (including HIV).
The National African HIV Prevention Programme (NAHIP) http://www.nahip.org.uk The National African HIV Prevention Programme (NAHIP) is the national programme of HIV prevention initiatives targeting Africans in England. It aims to work with community-based organisations to implement national projects.
Metromate http://www.metromate.org.uk London's sexual health directory for gay men.
Brook http://www.brook.org.uk Brook provides free and confidential sexual health advice to young people under the age of 25.
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