Questions
©Info1. What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
2. How many people are HIV positive in the UK?
3. How many people died globally in 2009 as a result of HIV?
4. How is HIV transmitted?
5. What is the main transmission route for HIV in the UK and globally?
6. What are the average odds of HIV being sexually transmitted when another sexually transmitted infection (STI) is present?
7. Is there a cure for AIDS?
8. How many new HIV infections were there in 2009 in the world?
9. What country has the highest adult prevalence (percentage of population) of HIV?
10. Isn't HIV a problem in Africa but not here?
11. Where can I get help and advice about HIV and other STIs?
12. Can I give first aid to a person with HIV?
Answers
©Info1. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus which causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS is a collection of symptoms and infections associated with a deficient immune system. People do not die from AIDS but from the opportunistic infections that take advantage of a person's weakened immune system.
2. An estimated 86,500 (Health Protection Agency report 2010).
3. In 2009, an estimated 1.8 million people died of AIDS-related illnesses (UNAIDS global report 2010).
4. Through infected body fluids that enter the body in sufficient quantity ie. blood, vaginal and semen fluids, as well as breast milk.
5. Heterosexual intercourse.
6. One in five sexual exposures.
7. No. However, considerable international research is being undertaken.
8. 2.6 million (UNAIDS global report 2010).
9. Swaziland: an estimated 25.9 per cent (UNAIDS global report 2010).
10. HIV is a global crisis that has an impact on all societies. The estimated number of people living with HIV in eastern Europe and central Asia was 1.4 million in 2009 (UNAIDS global report 2010).
11. Your GP or visit http://www.condomessentialwear.co.uk/ or call the sexual health line on 0800 567 123.
12. Yes. Precautionary measures can be taken when administering first aid.
Find out about young HIV volunteers in the UK
Watch the video stories of young people who are teaching sexual health, drug and HIV awareness to others their own age in the streets and in schools.