What is HIV?
HIV is the virus that can lead to AIDS. Through contaminated bodily fluids, HIV infects some of the very cells the body uses to fight off diseases, making it easier to contract those illnesses which most people normally resist.
HIV stands for:
- Human: To date the virus has proven to affect humans only
- Immunodeficiency: The virus causes the immune system to lack the required elements for it to function properly
- Virus: The micro-organism responsible for the infection. It is extremely small and only survives and multiplies within living cells by weakening and killing these cells.
What is AIDS?
AIDS is a collection of symptoms and infections brought on by damage to the immune system caused by HIV. The late state of the condition leaves individuals susceptible to many infections and tumours.
AIDS stands for:
- Acquired: Meaning it is a virus a person contracts as opposed to a condition that is hereditary (passed on through genes)
- Immune: Your immune system is the part of your body that protects you from germs, viruses and bacteria so it keeps you healthy.
- Deficiency: It creates a weakness in your immune system, causing it to malfunction
- Syndrome: A wide range of different diseases, conditions and opportunistic infections which someone with AIDS may experience.
How can HIV be transmitted?
HIV can be transmitted in 3 main ways in Trinidad and Tobago:
- Sexual transmission
- Transmission through blood
- Mother-to-child transmission
Facts about HIV and AIDS
The following facts should help you reach the right decision about your sex life.
- HIV and AIDS are different.
- HIV or Human Immunodeficiency Virus is the infection that can progress to AIDS.
- In Trinidad and Tobago, the most common way of getting or contracting HIV is through sexual intercourse.
- Many people are infected with HIV and do not know it.
- Many people who are infected with HIV can look and feel well.
- Once infected with HIV, you will have it for the rest of your life.
Why is it important to get tested for HIV?
Knowing is important because:
- If you know you are HIV positive, you can take advantage of monitoring, early treatment, as well as self-help activities that will help you live longer and better.
- By taking the test you can find out whether or not you can infect others
- Regular testing increases your commitment to overall health habits
- Testing negative is a huge relief
Who is at high-risk of contracting HIV?
You are at high risk if:
- You have sex without a condom
- You have many sex partners and do not use condoms
- Your sex partner(s) has/have sex with other persons without using condoms
- You have shared unsterilized needles for intravenous drug use
- You have unprotected sex with a partner who is HIV positive
