Basic Information
on HIV
www.sandyford.org
Telephone 0141 211 8130
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1. HIV Patient Information
Having HIV does not mean that a person has done something
wrong. HIV is a medical condition that is found in every country
in the world. It can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender,
sexuality, relationship status, ethnicity or religion.
2. What is HIV?
HIV is a virus that gradually attacks the immune system, so that it
cannot fight off certain infections. If left untreated it can result in
serious infection, cancers and AIDS.
3. How can a person get HIV?
HIV is an infection found in blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal
fluid. You can only get HIV from someone who already has the
virus, but only if the virus gets into your bloodstream.
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4. How can HIV get into your bloodstream?
Direct blood to blood contact such as by using needles, syringes or
other drug injecting equipment that is infected with HIV.
Through having unprotected sex i.e. not using a condom with
someone who has HIV
From an infected mother to her child, at delivery or from
breastfeeding.
You cannot get HIV from:
• Sharing food with someone who has HIV
• Sharing cooking or eating utensils with someone who has HIV
• Kissing someone with HIV
• Shaking hands or hugging someone with HIV
• Using the same toilet as someone who has HIV
5. HIV Testing
The only way to know if you have HIV is to have a test. Free,
confidential testing is available to everyone via the National Health
Service (NHS) as well as medical treatment if required. Please read
the patient information on BBV testing which is part of this series.
6. HIV & Pregnancy
Routine HIV testing is offered as part of antenatal care. This is
because there are effective interventions that can be put in place
to prevent transmission from mother to baby once a HIV positive
status is known.
7. HIV Treatment
Anti-HIV drugs are known as antiretrovirals. They reduce the levels
of HIV in the body and can slow down or prevent damage to the
immune system. They are not a cure, but they can help people
living with HIV stay well and lead longer and healthier lives. The
Brownlee Centre is a purpose-built unit for people with infections
based at Gartnavel General Hospital. Please read the HIV Patient
Information for people newly diagnosed with HIV which is part of
this series.
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Leaflets in this series:
Bloodborne Virus Testing
Information for patients waiting for BBV results
If you are told your BBV tests are negative … what next?
Information for people newly diagnosed with HIV
Information for people diagnosed with active
hepatitis C infection
Information for people diagnosed with active
hepatitis B infection
Basic Information on HIV
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If you would like this document in large print, Braille or audio format
or in another language, please contact:
0141 211 8130
[email protected]
Contact Sandyford by phone:
or by e-mail:
Review Date: January 2017
263743
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