December 1st is World AIDS Day. This year, the theme of World AIDS Day is “Equalize” – a call to action to end the inequalities in access to services and education that are preventing AIDS from being effectively eliminated. As such, we’ve taken the opportunity to write this blog about HIV and AIDS to help better educate people about what these diseases are, how they are spread and the new developments in the quest for a cure.
What are HIV and AIDS?
HIV is a virus that steadily damages the cells in people’s immune systems. Because of this, people with HIV infections steadily become unable to fight off everyday infections and other diseases.1
AIDS is the name used to describe the illnesses and conditions that occur once your immune system is severely damaged by the HIV virus. It usually takes 8-10 years for someone living with unmanaged HIV to develop AIDS.2
Transmission and testing
HIV may be transmitted in a number of ways. HIV is found in the bodily fluids of infected individuals, including blood, semen, vaginal and anal fluids and breast milk. The most common method of transmission is unprotected anal/vaginal sex, but the virus may also be spread via behaviours such as sharing needles and, in some cases, breastfeeding. There is also a minimal chance of HIV transmission via oral sex.3
The HIV virus is very fragile, and doesn’t survive outside the body for long. It cannot be transmitted via sweat, urine and saliva.4
Testing for HIV requires a blood and saliva test. These days, clinics can offer a finger prick test that gives results in mere minutes. However, more detailed tests that require being sent to a lab often take a few days.
Developments in HIV
In recent years, understanding of HIV has increased enormously, and there have been a number of important developments. Those worried about contracting HIV can now take PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis), which has been designed to help protect against transmission of the HIV virus. Furthermore, those who think they have come into contact with HIV can take PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) which can stop them from becoming infected with the virus if taken within 72 hours.5
Today, people living with HIV are able to lead relatively normal lives by taking antiretroviral medications. Modern day treatment means that if an individual with HIV has been taking their medications and their viral load is undetectable for 6 months, it is then impossible for them to pass HIV on to others via intercourse. At this point, their HIV status becomes undetectable/untransmittable (U=U).
A cure on the horizon?
Research to find a cure for HIV continues. This dedication to fighting the virus has ensured that in the last few decades an HIV diagnosis has changed from a death sentence to a disease that can be effectively managed.
Recently, researchers from Aarhus University discovered a novel way to help the body strengthen its immune response against HIV. Usually, when a person with HIV stops taking their antiretroviral medication, their viral load increases again, meaning they are able to pass the disease to others. This research tested a way to strengthen the body’s immunity against HIV even when treatment is paused, marking a significant step forward in regards to finding a cure.6
Not the disease it once was
Although research and management of HIV has come on leaps and bounds, there is still plenty of stigma surrounding the condition. As such, it’s important that we all educate ourselves about the virus and what living with HIV means for the individuals affected, especially if we ever hope to “Equalize” the playing field and ensure that we defeat HIV once and for all.
1 NHS. Overview – HIV and AIDS. Link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-
aids/#:~:text=AIDS%20(acquired%20immune%20deficiency%20syndrome,another%2C%20the%20HIV%20virus
%20can. [Last accessed November 22].
2 Mayo Clinic. HIV/AIDS Overview. Link: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/symptoms-
causes/syc-20373524#:~:text=Untreated%2C%20HIV%20typically%20turns%20into,opportunistic%20infections%20or%20
opportunistic%20cancers. [Last accessed November 22].
3 NHS. Overview – HIV and AIDS. Link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-
aids/#:~:text=AIDS%20(acquired%20immune%20deficiency%20syndrome,another%2C%20the%20HIV%20virus
%20can. [Last accessed November 22].
4 NHS. Overview – HIV and AIDS. Link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-
aids/#:~:text=AIDS%20(acquired%20immune%20deficiency%20syndrome,another%2C%20the%20HIV%20virus
%20can. [Last accessed November 22].
5 Terrance Higgins Trust. PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis for HIV). Link: https://www.tht.org.uk/hiv-and-sexual-
health/pep-post-exposure-prophylaxis-hiv [Last accessed November 22]
6 Science Daily. Study takes major step in pursuit of HIV cure. Link:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221017142435.htm [Last accessed November 22].
Leave a Reply