HIV and AIDS Dr Rob Hicks The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infects and gradually destroys immune system cells, reducing the body's protection against infection and cancers.

In this article

What are the symptoms? How is it transmitted?

What's the treatment? Advice and support

HIV causes infection that can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). In the UK, recent estimates suggest about 63,500 people have HIV and approximately one in three of these doesn't know they have it.

The first symptoms of HIV infection can appear within six weeks of the virus entering the body. Some people experience a flu-like illness with sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, muscle aches and a rash.

After a few weeks, these symptoms usually disappear.

Many people with HIV don't have any symptoms for many years after initial infection. Others may have persistent swollen lymph nodes, mouth infections, persistent herpes infections, such as cold sores, extensive genital warts or weight loss.

It can take from between one year and more than ten years before AIDS develops. When this happens a person may develop severe weight loss over a short period of time, severe and persistent infections, and cancers such as Kaposi's sarcoma and lymphoma.

HIV is often transmitted through unprotected sex. The number of heterosexually acquired HIV infections has increased steadily over the past 15 years. Although most new diagnoses in heterosexual individuals occur in people who acquired HIV outside the UK, the number of infections from heterosexual sex in the UK continues to rise.

Sharing contaminated needles for drug misuse can also transmit HIV.

Reduce the risk of infection

• Use a condom for vaginal and anal sex, and oral sex with a man
• Use a dental dam for oral sex with a woman
• Don't share needles

A combination of anti-HIV drugs can slow the damaging effects of HIV on the body's immune system.

Since combination therapy has become available, the number of people dying from AIDS-related illnesses has fallen, which means the number of people living with HIV in the UK is increasing.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle to keep the immune system as strong as possible is very important. Emotional support for the person with HIV and those around them is also helpful.

Avert
Website: www.avert.org

National AIDS Trust
Tel: 020 7814 6767
Email: info@nat.org.uk
Website: www.nat.org.uk

Terrence Higgins Trust
Tel: 0845 122 1200
Email: info@tht.org.uk
Website: www.tht.org.uk

Sexual Health Helpline
Tel: 0800 567123
Website: www.condomessentialwear.co.uk

The HIV Support Centre (Northern Ireland)
Tel: 0800 137437
Website: www.thehivsupportcentre.org.uk

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Rob Hicks in October 2007