1. HIV and AIDS - What are they?

HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus
is the virus that can lead to AIDS. HIV impairs the immune system - our body's natural defence mechanism against infections and diseases. People who are living with HIV are said to be HIV positive.

AIDS: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
is a condition caused by HIV. Over time, HIV breaks down the immune system to such a point that it leaves the body open to a range of particular infections. Some of these infections may be life threatening.

2. Who is at risk of contracting HIV?

Any person who engages in unsafe behaviours such as unsafe sex or sharing injecting equipment may be at risk of being exposed to HIV. However, the transmission of HIV is preventable!

3. So how is HIV transmitted?

HIV exists in certain body fluids of someone who is HIV positive: blood, semen (cum), vaginal fluids and breast milk. Small quantities of the virus are found within saliva, tears and sweat, but there is not enough of the virus to be transmitted through these fluids.

HIV is transmitted when it gets directly into your bloodstream. This may happen through:

• unsafe fucking (anal or vaginal sex without a condom)
  pulling out before cumming without a condom (withdrawal)
  sharing injecting equipment
  from mother to child either during pregnancy, birth, or through breastfeeding

4. What is Safe Sex?

Safe sex is any sexual activity that does not allow the transmission of blood, cum, or vaginal fluid from one person to another.

Safe sex includes:

• using condoms (and plenty of water based lubricant) when you fuck
  cuddling, hugging, kissing, massage, body rubbing
  masturbating yourself or somebody else (as long as you don't use cum or vaginal fluids as a lubricant)

5. What about oral sex?

The good news is that oral sex is a very low risk activity.

You can make it even safer by following these guidelines:

• avoid cum in the mouth
  avoid oral sex if you have cold sores, cuts, sores, bleeding gums or ulcers in your mouth (rinse with salty water and check for stinging)
  if you want to brush your teeth before oral sex, do it at least two hours beforehand

6. What if I inject drugs?

There are a few things you can do to make injecting safer:

every time you inject, use new and sterile equipment. You can get your injecting equipment from needle availability services and many pharmacies.
don't share injecting equipment (including syringes, swabs, water, spoons, filters and tourniquets). Even if you try to use a "cleaned" or "washed" syringe, there is a chance blood may be left behind which could transmit HIV or Hepatitis C.
make sure you know how to inject properly and safely.

If you are unsure, you can contact your local AIDS Council or other related health services for information.

7. What if I think I have been exposed to HIV?

Anyone who has engaged in high-risk behaviour in the last 72 hours is eligible in Queensland for Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). PEP is a course of combination anti-HIV drugs that may decrease the chance of becoming HIV positive.

It's not a morning after pill, but a minimum of two, usually three anti-HIV drugs prescribed for a month. All the difficulties associated with combination therapy apply. Always taking HIV drugs on time is imperative for it to be effective, and of course, there are the inevitable side effects of nausea, diarrhoea, headaches, lethargy etc - most of which can be controlled by taking other medications.

PEP is available from the accident and emergency section of major hospitals, sexual health or HIV clinics.

8. The HIV Antibody Test: What is it?

A test is available that detects antibodies to HIV. Antibodies are special cells the body produces to fight bacteria and viruses. If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, then you should consider having the test. HIV antibody testing is confidential and free.

For information about clinics and doctors with specialist knowledge about HIV, contact your local QuAC Office or Sexual Health Clinic. Remember, HIV antibody testing is free and strictly confidential.

A negative antibody test result means: you have not been infected with HIV OR you may have been infected with HIV but have yet to develop antibodies to the virus (it can take up to 3 months for your body to develop antibodies to HIV), so take a second test 3 months after possible exposure.

A positive antibody test result means: you have been infected with HIV, HIV can be transmitted to others if you have unsafe sex or share injecting equipment, it's time for you to begin regular health check-ups.

9. What if I am HIV positive?

You are not alone. Thousands of Australians have been told that they are HIV positive. Living with HIV poses many challenges not only about your health but also about work, sex, relationships, and how you choose to live.

Living with HIV involves understanding exactly what HIV means, how it affects your body and deciding how you want to live. Living with HIV can involve a series of adjustments, about your health, your work, how you live and the way you feel on a day to day basis.

Sometimes you might want help. You might have questions you want answered - either today or sometime in the future. There are a range of groups and organisations which can offer information, support and advice. Contact your local AIDS Council for details.

 

Links

Australian AIDS Quilt
http://www.aidsquilt.org.au/home.php