Common HIV questions answered
Decided that it's time to find out more about HIV and AIDS? This article answers some of the most common HIV questions. |
In 2007, 2,700 gay men were diagnosed with HIV in the UK |
HIV and AIDS has rapidly become a major problem in the UK's gay community. Recent figures suggest that in 2007 alone, there were 2,700 newly diagnosed cases among gay men in the UK. And the numbers don't seem to be slowing down. More worrying than ever, it is estimated that 10% of London's gay men are HIV positive with many, many more undiscovered cases.
HIV awareness campaigns by national organisations such as the Terrence Higgins Trust are evidently going unnoticed by the majority of gay men in London as levels of gay men having unprotected sex are higher than ever.
Below is a list of common HIV questions asked by gay men. If you believe that you may have possible contracted the HIV virus, contact your local sexual health clinic for a free, confidential appointment.
What is HIV?HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus that is mainly contracted through sexual contact. The disease attacks the immune system, making the infected person more susceptible to contracting serious illnesses such as pneumonia and tuberculosis.
The virus attacks white blood cells called CD4 cells, which help your body fight infection. Once a person is infected, the number of CD4 cells present in the blood begins to decrease, weakening the overall immune system. If left untreated, the infected person will be at high risk of developing serious infections like cancer.
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome and is the term used to describe the latter stages of the HIV infection. Although it differs from country to country, a person is generally classified as having AIDS when their CD4 count falls below a certain level (usually around 150) or when they contract a life-threatening infection.
A common misconception is that AIDS is what ultimately can kill a person. It is in fact the life threatening infection that can kill someone, not the AIDS itself. The HIV virus simply weakens the body.
How many people have HIV?It is difficult to give an exact number as many people may be infected without actually knowing it. The only way to know for certain if someone has contracted the virus is by having a blood test.
On a worldwide scale, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that there are currently 33 million people in the world living with HIV. In the UK, figures estimate that there are roughly 73,000 HIV positive people, with gay men making up a substantial percentage of this figure.
Have I been infected?If you have never had unprotected sex or shared needles, your chance of having contracted HIV is extremely low.
If you have been infected, the symptoms do not always show immediately. Some people can be infected for years before the symptoms appear. In some cases, people can suffer a seroconversion illness somewhere between 2 and 12 weeks after infection. Symptoms can consist of high fever, sore throat, headache, rash, chest infection and pain in joints and muscles.
However, the only way to be certain of your HIV status is to have a HIV test.
Can I get HIV by kissing a HIV positive person?No. In order for you to be anywhere close to contracting HIV by kissing, would be to swallow gallons of a person's saliva.
Can I get HIV by giving someone a blow job?The risk of contracting HIV from giving a blow job is very low. However, the risk does increase if you have open cuts or sores in your mouth and if the recipient of the blow job ejaculates into your mouth.
Can I get HIV by having anal sex?Unprotected anal sex is the main way that HIV is transmitted among gay men. The risk is increased for the ‘bottom' as the anal lining is very thin and can allow the virus to easily enter. However, the risk is still high for the ‘top' as HIV can enter through the opening at the tip of the penis or through cuts and sores on the penis.
How do I stop myself from contracting HIV? |
Using a condom is the most effective way of preventing the transmission of HIV |
The most effective way to prevent infection by far is using a condom every time you have sexual intercourse. Use plenty of lubricant to prevent the condom from splitting and ensure that the lubricant you use is water-based and not oil-based as this can weaken the condom.
Remember that HIV is a very serious illness and can be very easily passed on through unprotected anal sex. It is important to use a condom and plenty of lubricant when having anal sex.
You can also prevent infection, by generally keeping fit and healthy. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and doing regular exercise can boost your immune system and make you a generally fitter person.
