HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks
the immune system, which is our body’s natural defence against illness. The
virus destroys a type of white blood cell in the immune system called a
T-helper cell, and makes copies of itself inside these cells. T-helper cells
are also referred to as CD4 cells.
As HIV destroys more CD4 cells and makes more copies of itself, it
gradually breaks down a person’s immune system. This means someone living with
HIV, who is not receiving treatment, will find it harder and harder to fight
off infections and diseases.
If
HIV is left untreated, it may take up to 10 or 15 years for the immune system
to be so severely damaged it can no longer defend itself at all. However, the
speed HIV progresses will vary depending on age, health and background.
HIV can be caused by:
Not By:
Preventative measures of HIV are as followed:
· Get tested and know
your partner’s HIV status. Talk to your partner about HIV testing and get tested before you
have sex.
· Have less risky sex. Oral sex is much less
risky than anal or vaginal sex. Anal sex is the most risky type of sex for HIV
transmission.
· Use condoms. Use a condom
correctly every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
· Limit your number of
sexual partners. The more partners you have, the more likely you are to have a
partner with HIV whose HIV is not well controlled or to have a partner with a sexually transmitted
disease (STD). Both of these
factors can increase the risk of HIV transmission. If you have more than one
sexual partner, get tested for HIV regularly.
· Get tested and treated
for STDs. Insist that your
partners get tested and treated too. Having an STD can increase your risk
of becoming infected with HIV or spreading it to others.
· Don’t inject drugs. But if you do, use
only sterile drug injection equipment and water and never share your
equipment with others.
Got It? Get It. Practice safe sex and avoid HIV!
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