On World AIDS Day, Dr Adebola Adisa, from Darlington, looks at how the virus is transmitted, prevention, medication, support groups and testing.

THE 2018 World AIDS Day theme is Know Your Status – but according to World Health Organisation (WHO), about 25 per cent of people living with HIV do not. HIV is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, which attacks the body’s defence system, weakens it and increases the risks of developing infections known as opportunistic infections. When the HIV virus destroys a large number of the body’s defence, the person develops AIDS, which is the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

WHO Key facts

HIV continues to be a major public health issue, with more 35 million lives lost so far.

The WHO African region is the most affected region, which accounts for more than two thirds of the global total of new HIV infections.

There is currently no cure for HIV infection or AIDS, however there is ongoing research to find one.

Between 2000 and 2017, new infections fell by 36 per cent due to HIV medications.

2017 WHO Statistics

Worldwide, there are about 36.9 million people living with HIV.

In the UK, there are about 100,000 people living with HIV.

At risk groups

MEN who have unprotected sex with men. Women who have unprotected sex with men who have unprotected sex with men. People who have unprotected sex with people who have lived in or travelled to the WHO African region. People who inject drugs or share drug paraphernalia or equipment. People who have other sexually transmitted infections

Transmission

HIV is contacted through unprotected sex with someone who is already infected with the HIV virus. Condoms offers the most effective protection if used appropriately. Other routes of transmission include; sharing of contaminated needles or sharp objects and from an infected mother to their unborn child, during delivery or through breastfeeding. All pregnant women in the UK are offered the HIV test during routine antenatal screening. Though rare in the UK, HIV can also be transmitted through transfusion with infected blood. It is not transmitted though urine, saliva or sweat, insect bites, nor by hugging or touching someone who has the HIV virus, nor by sharing cutlery, baths, toilets or swimming pools.

Symptoms

FLU-LIKE symptoms may develop in the first few weeks of being infected. These include; fever, sore throat, a rash, generalised body aches, pains and tiredness. Having these symptoms does not imply that you have HIV. If you feel very unwell, not getting any better or you are concerned, go and see your GP.

Diagnosis

HIV infection is often diagnosed through rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), these give same-day test results. Sometimes you may be required to have a different blood test where it may take a few days to get your results.

Treatment

BEING HIV positive is not a death sentence. Antiretroviral (ARV) drugs can help to control the virus for long periods and may also reduce the risk of transmission. People living with HIV can therefore live near normal lives and enjoy longer productive lives. There are several medications, often in the form of tablets. It is important to be compliant with your treatment. This will help reduce the risk of resistance to the ARV medications. The HIV specialist will need to do regular blood tests to check how well you are doing.

Lifestyle and living with HIV

IT is important to eat healthy diet, stop smoking and exercise regularly. If you think that you may be depressed or very anxious about your diagnosis, go and see your GP. Also inform them about any HIV medications that you are taking, because they may interact with other medications which your GP may need to prescribe. They may also refer you to a counsellor. It is important that all your past and current sexual partners are informed, as they may also be infected. If you are unable to do this, contact your local STI or GUM clinic who may be able to assist. It is a crime to intentionally engage in behaviour which may put others at risk of becoming infected with HIV through you. The Equality act (2010) protects you from any discrimination.

Flu Vaccine

IF you are living with HIV, an infection with the flu virus can become very severe. Taking the flu vaccine may help reduce this risk. It is free for you.

Useful resources

LOCAL GUM/ STI clinics, NHS Choices and British HIV Association.

Adebola Adisa is a North-East GP who completed her medical training at the foremost University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria in 2003 before relocating to London, and then Darlington with her husband and two daughters. She has published two fiction books, The Magic of Destiny in 2014 (under the pen name Jessica Dice) and Kaleidoscopes in October 2018, written to promote public awareness and education about HIV/AIDS. It is available via Amazon.