Advice

Are you clued up on what HIV and AIDS are and how you catch it? Get all the info here plus advice on protecting yourself, getting tested and treatments...

What is HIV?

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus - a microscopic bug that infects humans.

What's AIDs?

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome - this is the illness caused by HIV. The part where we can get very sick indeed.

How do you catch HIV?

HIV is passed on in blood, vaginal secretions and semen. So if we have sex (vaginal, anal - even oral) with someone who has HIV without a condom we may get the virus. Sharing needles (injecting drugs) is another way.

What happens after someone gets HIV?

Time passes. They feel fine: none the wiser. Still able to look fabulous. Still able to pull you. And infect you with the virus. It's usually several years later that they start to get unwell.

What about kissing, swimming pools, sharing cups, public loos...? Are they risky?

No. Day to day life with someone with HIV is safe.

So how do I tell if someone has it?

You can't.

Say someone's HIV+. What are the chances of me getting it off them?

It can be up to one in 500 for each time you have unprotected sex with a woman, and one in 100 for each time you have unprotected sex with a man. Sounds low? Would you board a plane if you knew one in every 500 blew up?

How can I protect myself?

Use condoms. Every time.

Is there a cure?

No. Nor is there a vaccine. There are some very good treatments; many people with HIV live healthy lives for a long time. But treatment isn't the same as a cure. It doesn't go away.

It just affects gay men and drug addicts, right?

Wrong. Anyone can get it. The most rapidly growing group affected is young women.

Should I get tested?

If you have to ask - the answer is: 'Yes'

Many people have HIV tests from time to time. It's the responsible thing to do.

Common reasons for having a test include:

• "I've got a new partner and want to put the past behind me."
• "I've got an STI - if I managed to pick that up, anything's possible."
• "I've been worrying about my holiday fling for ages."
• "I've not been as careful as I should be."

Talk it through in confidence with your GP, or at the sexual health clinic.