T
o mark World AIDS Day 2019 there are a number of initiatives happening around the world. The Terrence Higgins Trust is campaigning to end HIV transmissions in the UK by 2030. The National AIDS Trust is encouraging people to Rock the Ribbon Together and wear their red ribbon to take the isolation out of HIV, show support for people living with HIV and commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. The World Health Organization and UNAIDS are recognising the essential role of communities in the AIDS response at international, national and local levels. WHAT ARE HIV AND AIDS?
WORDS BY Emma Morriss
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects the body’s immune system and damages the cells. The virus continues to affect the immune system which leads to immunodeficiency. This makes people with HIV more susceptible to infection and disease as the immune system cannot fight them.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the collection of illnesses, symptoms or infections that can affect the individual when their immune system has been severely affected by HIV. These can be life-threatening. SYMPTOMS AND INFECTION
If people are not receiving effective treatment, HIV can be transmitted via some body fluids, including through condomless sex, blood transfusion, contaminated needles, and vertical transmission (from mother to baby during pregnancy or through breastfeeding.) People may not be aware that they have acquired HIV because they may only experience flu-like symptoms. This is called a seroconversion illness and common symptoms include sore throat, fever and a rash. According to the Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), seroconversion is a sign that the immune system is reacting to the presence of the virus in the body. It’s also the point at which the body produces antibodies to HIV. Once seroconversion has happened, an HIV test will detect antibodies and give a positive result.
Living well with HIV 1st December is World AIDS Day which raises awareness of HIV and AIDS around the world. There have been huge leaps in the treatment of HIV and AIDS in recent years but it’s still important to raise awareness and support people to live well with HIV. 2 6 | P H A R M A FI EL D.CO.U K
