Patient fact sheet - HIV
1. What is HIV?
HIV stands for 'Human Immunodeficiency Virus’. The human immunodeficiency
virus (HIV) is found in the blood and infects white blood cells which are a key
part of the immune system. The virus attacks the immune system and weakens
our ability to fight infections and disease.
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is the final stage of HIV infection.
When the body can no longer fight life threatening infections.
2. How common is HIV?
It is estimated that around 1 in every 1,000 people in the UK may have HIV.
3. What are the symptoms of HIV?
Most people with HIV experience a short, flu-like illness around 2-6 weeks after
being infected. This often includes a raised temperature, sore throat, and a rash
on the body. However these symptoms most commonly occur in conditions other
than HIV. HIV infection often causes no symptoms for many years. During this
time the virus continues to be active and cause progressive damage to the
immune system. Once the immune system becomes severely damaged, which
can take about 10 years, symptoms may, can include weight loss, night sweats,
recurrent infections, or serious life-threatening illnesses. Early diagnosis and
treatment can prevent these later symptoms developing.
4. How is HIV spread?
The HIV virus is carried in the blood and can be found in other body fluids. The
virus is spread when the blood from an infected person gets into the
bloodstream of another person. In the UK the main way that HIV is passed on is
through unprotected sex. Other ways include sharing needles, syringes and
other injecting drug equipment or from mother to baby during birth or by
breastfeeding.
The infection is NOT spread through normal social contact such as holding
hands, coughing, sneezing, sharing toilets, or using crockery and kitchen
utensils. In the past, the virus may have been spread by blood and blood
products following transfusion. However, since 1991 for blood, and 1989 for
blood products, measures were introduced to minimise this risk.
HIV Factsheet
V7
27/04/2015
5. What is the incubation period? / How long does it take for symptoms
to appear?
After the virus enters the body around 80% of people infected with HIV
demonstrate flu like symptoms in the first 2-6 weeks of infection. After this it is
often about 10 years before later symptoms develop, during which time people
feel and appear well.
6. How do you test for HIV infection?
A blood test is usually taken. During the first few weeks of infection large
numbers of antigens, a protein found on the virus, is present in the blood and
can indicate infection. After the first few weeks these antigens are no longer
detectable. However, a test can also look for antibodies produced by the body’s
immune system in response to the virus. These antibodies can be detected from
about 12 weeks after infection.
7. Is there any treatment for HIV infection?
Yes, there is no cure for HIV but there are treatments available that can reverse
the damage to the immune system and enable most people who have HIV
infection to live a long and healthy life. There are also new treatments
continually being developed.
8. Is there a vaccine for HIV infection?
No, there is no vaccine currently available for HIV infection.
9. What can be done to reduce the risk of getting Hepatitis C infection?
Ways of reducing your risk of getting Hepatitis C infection include;
Avoid having unprotected sexual intercourse, especially if you change
partners frequently.
Make certain that needles used for drugs, piercing and tattooing are
sterile
Do not share razors, toothbrushes or pierced jewellery with anyone
Wear gloves when touching or cleaning up blood/body fluids of others
Wash your hands and any skin that has come into contact with any
blood/skin
Cover all open cuts or wounds
Further information can be found at
Public Health Wales
www.publichealthwales.wales.nhs.uk
NHS Choices
www.NHS.uk
Terence Higgins Trust
www.tht.org.uk
HIV Factsheet
V7
27/04/2015