What is HIV

WHAT IS HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. HIV attacks the body's immune system*, making it weak and less able to fight off diseases. When a person is confirmed to have been infected by HIV, the person is said to be HIV-positive (HIV+). This does not necessarily mean that the person has AIDS.

*Our immune system consists of white blood cells, which fight and kill any germs and viruses that enter our body.

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

AIDS is the name given to a group of illnesses which occur in HIV+ people as a result of a weakened immune system.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV can be transmitted

Through unsafe sexual practices including unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex (unsafe sex is sex without using latex condoms).
Through sharing of needle or injecting equipment.
From an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding.

HIV is only infectious in body fluids such as blood, semen, pre-ejaculation fluid and vaginal fluid, including menstrual blood. Infected blood or sexual fluids can enter the bloodstream of another person through open cuts, grazes or sores. People caring for AIDS patients and people who administer first aid should exercise precautions such as wearing rubber gloves.

How is HIV not transmitted?

HIV is not infectious in any other body fluids such as sweat, urine and tears. HIV cannot pass through intact external skin nor through the air like a cold or flu virus. It cannot survive outside the human body such as on the skin and clothes, or in air and water.

HIV cannot be transmitted through

donating blood
body contact including shaking hands and hugging
sharing public amenities such as telephones and swimming pools and public toilets
sharing food and utensils
sharing living, working, studying and sleeping space
sneezes, coughs, sweat or urine
insect (including mosquito's) or animal bites
caring for someone with HIV

How do I know if I am infected?

You will know if you are infected by taking an HIV Antibody Test.

Are there any signs or symptoms of HIV infection?

In the early stages of HIV infection there are usually very few signs or symptoms. Some people may have flu-like symptoms three to six weeks after the infection. These are self-limiting; the person may recover and remain fine for a few years, until the immune system becomes weaker and the person starts to fall ill from recurring opportunistic infections. The early symptoms also occur in other viral infections. Since these symptoms may go after a short period, many people may dismiss them as normal illnesses. So, the only way to be sure is to take the HIV Antibody Test if you have been exposed to any risky behaviors.

PREVENTION : SAFER SEX

What is safer sex?

Safer sex is any sex where semen, vaginal fluid or blood does not come into direct contact with the internal membrane of another person.

Safer sex is sex (vaginal, anal and oral) with latex condoms and water-based lubricants such as K-Y jelly.
Safer sex is touching, rubbing or mutual masturbation where neither partner has cuts or rashes on their hands.

These methods are called "safer" since they minimize risks, but cannot eliminate them completely. Sexual activity will always maintain some risk if there is a chance one partner is infected with HIV. Safer sex can also prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which increase the risk of HIV transmission. STDs make it easier for HIV to infect cells.

MYTHS AND TRUTHS ABOUT SEX AND HIV

The truths

Using condoms correctly is the best way to prevent the spread of HIV during sexual activity because of its latex barrier.
Condoms can also protect the mouth, the vagina, rectum and penis from HIV-infected semen, vaginal fluids and blood, and from other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Do not let alcohol/drugs or an attractive partner distract you from practicing safer sex.
Safer sex practices are the only way to prevent HIV infection apart from abstinence.
You can get HIV through unprotected sex.
There is still no cure for HIV but there are anti-HIV drugs that slow the progression of the diseases.
You cannot get HIV from hugging, shaking hands, touching, masturbation and dry kissing.

MYTH	FACT
1. Birth control pills can prevent HIV infection	Only the proper use of condoms can prevent the virus from passing to another person
2. Oral sex practices are safe from the virus	If infected sexual fluid gets in the mouth where there are bleeding gums or sores, then there is some risk of getting infected
3. You can tell if someone is HIV+ by looking at him or her	You will only know by having an HIV Antibody Test.
4. If you are HIV+, there is no hope for the future	Anti-HIV drugs available can reduce the virus in the blood as well as prolong and improve the quality of life
5. During unprotected or protected sex, if you withdraw in time, you will not get the virus	You are still at risk because pre-ejaculatory fluid contains HIV and there might be spillage from the condom while withdrawing

You can avoid infection by practicing safer sex or not sharing injecting needles or syringes. We could slow down the worldwide HIV epidemic if everyone had the information about preventing infection. People often react with prejudice and denial to things they do not understand. These reactions hinder prevention programmes and make life more difficult for People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs). Every one of us can make a difference by fighting prejudice, challenging denial and increasing understanding.

For more information, please contact the Malaysian AIDS Council at (03) 4045 1033 or the 24-hour Interactive Infoline on HIV/AIDS at (03) 707 7007. For counselling, please call the Toll-Free Line at 1-800-88 18 48 or email to counselling@mac.org.my. All calls are guaranteed to remain private and confidential.

Majlis AIDS Malaysia