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 you get very sick indeed.
What happens after someone gets HIV?
Time passes. They feel fine: none the wiser. Still able to look fabulous and pull you. And infect you with the virus. It’s only after several years that they get unwell.
How do you catch it?
Sex (vaginal, anal - even oral) without a condom. Sharing needles (injecting drugs).
What about kissing, swimming pools, sharing cups, public loos...? Are they risky?
No.
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.
Should I get tested?
Talk it through in confidence at the clinic.
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."
Further help and advice
• NHS
Choices
• Terrence Higgins
Trust
• Type in your postcode and find help in your area at ruthinking.co.uk
• Or call the National AIDS Helpline
free on 0800 567 123
Disclaimer: the BBC can't be held responsible for the content of external websites.
Pictures posed by models.
