TODAY is World AIDS Day!
Every year on 1st December, the World Health Organisation marks this day a global public health campaign and is spent dedicated to spreading awareness around HIV and AIDS.
With over 100,000 people in the UK living with HIV and approximately 36.7 million people globally, it is important to be reminded of the importance of spreading awareness whilst also fighting prejudice and improving education.
What is HIV?
- HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus.
- HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system making it difficult to fight every day infections and disease, if left untreated, HIV would completely destroy a person’s immune system.
- HIV can be transmitted from one to person to another
What is AIDS?
- AIDS stands for acquired immune deficiency syndrome
- AIDS is also known as the late-stage HIV as a person is said to have AIDS when the HIV virus has weakened their system so much, they are no longer able to fight off infection and go on to develop certain symptoms and illnesses
Fast Facts on HIV
- HIV is found in blood, vaginal fluid, semen, anal fluids and breast milk
- During sex, using male and/or female condoms is the best way for HIV prevention
- HIV can be passed on through use of contaminated syringes
- HIV can also be passed on through blood transfusions and other medical procedures
- HIV can NOT be transmitted through sweat, saliva or urine
It is important to note that with an early diagnosis and the right treatment, a person with HIV can go on to live a long and healthy life.
KNOW YOUR STATUS!!!
For more information on World AIDS Day, click HERE
For more information on HIV & AIDS, please visit the Terrence Higgins Trust
