HIV is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system – the body’s defence against diseases.  The latest research suggests that between 70 and 90 per cent of people may experience symptoms of infection a few days after having been infected.  Three symptoms occurring together: fever, rash and a severe sore throat should always be considered a potential indicator of HIV infection.  These symptoms usually disappear within two or three weeks.  Other people may not have symptoms to start with.  In all cases, without effective treatment the immune system will    eventually become very weak and no longer be able to fight off illnesses.

Are HIV and AIDS the same?

No. When someone is described as living with HIV, they have the HIV virus in their body.  A person is considered to have developed Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) when the immune system is so weak it can no longer fight off a range of diseases with which it would normally cope.

Transmission

The HIV virus can be spread through the exchange of bodily fluids, such as blood, semen and vaginal fluids.

Millions of people worldwide are injecting drug users (IDUs), and blood transfer through the sharing of drug taking equipment,  particularly infected needles, is an extremely effective way of transmitting HIV.  More recent evidence suggests that HIV now lives outside the body in dried blood longer than hepatitis C.

Prevention

Although there is no vaccination for the virus there are ways to prevent transmission:

• Using a condom during sex
• Never share drug paraphernalia including needles, syringes, spoons, filters etc.
• Dispose of used drug paraphernalia safely via needle exchanges

Treatment

If you are diagnosed with HIV you will be referred to an HIV clinic.  There is no cure for HIV and no vaccine to stop you from becoming infected.  However, since the 1990s, treatments have been developed that enable most people with HIV to stay well and live relatively normal lives.

The illegal nature of injecting drug use can also create barriers to accessing adequate treatment and prevention, such as needle exchange programmes, making injectors more vulnerable to HIV and its effects.  Ask your key worker, GP or nurse about how you can get tested.