What is HIV?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus.
H - Human - requires living human cells in order to live
- can only be transmitted between humans
I - Immunodeficiency - deterioration of the immune system
V - Virus - smallest known living organis
- there are no cures for any viruses
Immunodeficiency means a weak immune system. That is, the body's ability to fight off infection and disease is much weaker than normal. By destroying immune cells, HIV is constantly weakening the immune system, thus making the body vulnerable to a range of other diseases and infections.
What do the letters AIDS stand for?
A - Acquired - caused by the environment (not genetic/hereditary)
I - Immune - our immune system that keeps us well
D - Deficiency - incomplete or lacking
S - Syndrome - a collection of illnesses, often occurring simultaneously, that attack the body once the immune system is depleted. eg. Pneumonia's, TB, some cancers etc.
Every day we come into contact with a variety of bacteria, germs and viruses, in fact some are already living in our body. When our immune system is damaged we are unable to fight these infections adequately.
HIV is the virus. AIDS is the result of having HIV over an extended period of time causing the immune system to be too weak to fight off infections like the common cold.
How do I get it?
Blood to Blood:
Sharing Needles
Fights
Accidents
Blood Transfusions
Needle Stick Injuries
Sex
Sharing Razors/Toothbrushes
Sharing Tattooing/Piercing Equip
Sporting Injuries
Sexual Contact:
Unprotected Anal / Vaginal Sexual intercourse
Oral Sex
Mutual Masturbation
Sharing Sex Toys
Mother to Child:
In Utero
During Delivery
Breastfeeding