Protect yourself from HIV/AIDS

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Shanon Simpson
7 years ago
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1 Protect yourself from HIV/AIDS Why is HIV/AIDS important? HIV and AIDS has already killed millions of people worldwide. There is no cure for HIV. Everyone can get it if they do not know how to protect themselves against HIV. Therefore it is important to know the basic facts about HIV/ AIDS. What is HIV? HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that enters the body and damages your immune system. This means that the infected body is completely exposed and defenceless against infections and diseases.

2 A person infected with HIV can live for several years, but needs a proper medical treatment, an appropriate diet and shall practice healthy lifestyle. What is AIDS Over the years, non-treated HIV positive patients become ill more and more often. The body weakens until the immune system breaks down completely. This last phase of the disease is called AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). At this stage, the body has very little defence against any sort of disease. Many infections can lead to the death of the patient. How is AIDS passed on? The HIV-Virus is found in the blood and body fluids (sperm, preejaculate and vaginal secretion) of persons infected with HIV. The virus is passed on through: Unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal and oral); From drug user to drug user when sharing the same needle for injecting drugs; Through medical or cosmetic treatments (tattoos, piercing, manicure, pedicure and others) done with non-sterile tools or materials which due to their nature require high sterility;

3 Through direct contact with an infected persons blood when skin continuity is broken (wounds, a cut). During pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding by a mother infected with HIV; How to limit risk of being infected with HIV? Be faithful to your partner and expect his/her faithfulness towards you; Do not have casual unprotected (without condom) sexual intercourse. You never know if your partner is not HIV positive; Limit the number of partners. Each change of a partner increases the risk of being infected with HIV; Remember that condom used in proper way reduces the risk of being infected with HIV Undergo HIV tests, preferable with your new sexual partner or if you behaved risky ; Only use your own hygiene materials such as razor or toothbrush; Avoid direct contact with fresh blood or another body fluid that might contain HIV; If you are injecting drugs into your body, always use sterile needles and syringes.

4 Pregnancy and HIV/AIDS If you are pregnant ask your doctor to send you for HIV testing; If you are HIV positive and pregnant ask your doctor for the right medical treatment. It will considerably reduce the risk of passing on the infection to your child during pregnancy, birth and puerperium; New-born babies must not be breast fed by mothers infected with HIV. When is HIV not passed on? If you know a HIV positive person, do not be afraid to continue your normal social contacts with him/her. HIV/AIDS can not be passed on through: Everyday contacts with an infected person; Kissing, hugging, shaking hands; Sharing the same drinking glasses, plates or cutlery; Using public pool, toilet or sauna with an infected person; Insect bites; Air or water.

5 When do I need an HIV test? The HIV test is designed to detect HIV antibodies in human blood. However, they will only be detected three months after the infection. You have to undergo an HIV test: If you want to have unprotected sexual intercourse with a new partner; If you have had unprotected sexual intercourse with an unknown partner; If you have injected drugs into your body. Why must I know my HIV status? If it turned out you are infected with HIV, you can undergo antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. It will also prevent you from infecting others unknowingly. If you know your status and infect another person intentionally with HIV this is a criminal act in Poland.

6 Where can I have an HIV test? In Poland, tests for HIV antibodies are available to everyone. Confidentiality is guaranteed by law. Only you and your doctor will know the results. At your request you may also be examined in an asylum center. If the test shows that you are infected with HIV it is strongly recommended that you talk to your doctor about medical treatment and undergo the prescribed medical treatment. It may prevent you from quickly developing AIDS and may improve the quality of your life. If you need medical information, consultation or an HIVrelated test you can always contact the medical staff in your center. Medical care for foreigners applying for refugee status in Poland is coordinated by the Central Clinical Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Warsaw in cooperation with the Office for Foreigners. For information on HIV/AIDS and the updated list of free anonymous testing locations throughout Poland please visit

7 Free anonymous blood tests are available, among others, in the following locations: Warsaw 1. Diagnostics & Consultation Service at ul. Żelazna 79; Tuesday, Thursday 3.30 pm 6.30 pm 2. Diagnostics & Consultation Service at ul. Nowogrodzka 82; Monday-Friday 4 pm 8 pm 3. Diagnostics & Consultation Service, IZIS Clinical Analysis Laboratory at ul. Chmielna 4; Monday-Thursday 5 pm 7 pm, Friday 12 pm 3.30 pm Bydgoszcz Diagnostics & Consultation Service at ul. Kujawska 4, Building D, first floor, room nos. 2-3; Wednesday 3 pm 6 pm, Thursday 3 pm 5 pm Lublin Diagnostics & Consultation Service at Voivodeship Health Center for Infectious Diseases in Lublin at ul. Biernackiego 9; Tuesday, Thursday 4 pm 7 pm Krakow Diagnostics & Consultation Service at TRR Specialized Consultation Clinic at ul. Bronowicka 73; second floor, room no. 4, Monday 2 pm 4 pm, Tuesday 2.30 pm 6.30 pm Białystok Diagnostics & Consultation Service at Diagnostics & Research Center for Sexually Transmitted Diseases, at ul. Św. Rocha 3, first floor, room no. 14; Monday, Wednesday 3 pm 5.30 pm

8 If you are HIV positive, remember: currently, HIV is a chronic controlled infection and there are medicines slowing down its progression. Ask your doctor about the medical aspects of life with HIV to determine further actions. NOTES:

Chapter 21. What Are HIV and AIDS?

Chapter 21. What Are HIV and AIDS? Section 1 HIV and AIDS Today What Are HIV and AIDS? Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that primarily affects cells of the immune system and that causes AIDS. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome