Understanding HIV and Its Transmission

What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is primarily transmitted through unprotected sex or by sharing infected needles and other injecting equipment. This virus attacks the immune system, impairing the body's ability to fight infections and diseases. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), the final stage of HIV infection, where the body can no longer effectively combat life-threatening infections. Although there is currently no cure for HIV, treatments are available that allow most individuals with the virus to live long and healthy lives.

Immune System and HIV Symptoms

The immune system is highly effective in protecting against various illnesses, such as colds or minor viruses, often without showing symptoms. An individual with HIV may be asymptomatic for years, potentially experiencing only mild symptoms like fever, tiredness, weight loss, rashes, headaches, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat, or cancerous lip sores.

HIV Statistics in the UK

In the UK, HIV is the fastest-growing serious health condition. Since the early 1980s, there have been approximately 97,400 cases of HIV reported. Over 18,000 people have died from HIV-related complications. In 2007, there were 7,734 new diagnoses, and it was estimated that 28% of individuals living with HIV were unaware of their infection. Additionally, 31% of diagnoses were made late, and 41% of new diagnoses were among men who have sex with men.

HIV Statistics in Western and Central Europe

In 2007, Western and Central Europe reported an estimated 730,000 people living with HIV, with 27,000 new infections and approximately 8,000 AIDS-related deaths. In Western Europe, 33% of newly diagnosed individuals were between the ages of 15 and 29.

Transmission and Prevention

HIV is not spread through casual contact, such as handshakes, sharing food, or using public facilities like toilet seats or swimming pools. The main methods of HIV transmission are:

• Sexual contact with an infected person
• Sharing needles or syringes, primarily for drug injection
• From mother to baby during birth or breastfeeding, presenting special risks to both the baby and delivery staff

In cases where the transmission method was identifiable, 46% of new HIV cases were through heterosexual sex, 32% through sharing injecting equipment, and 20% through gay sex. Additionally, 33% of new HIV diagnoses were in women.

Virus Viability and Research

The HIV virus is fragile and dies within seconds once outside the body. The virus's survival depends on the amount present in body fluids and the environmental conditions. Although research is ongoing, there is currently no vaccine or cure for HIV.