HIV AIDS

HIV often causes no symptoms before it progresses to AIDS. If you have had unprotected sex, visit your doctor for testing. Flu-like symptoms, extreme tiredness, mouth ulcers and weight loss can be symptomatic of HIV infection.

There is no vaccine or cure for HIV/AIDS. Safer sexual practices, such as using condoms, may help prevent infection.

HIV can also be transmitted through penetration of the skin with infected implements, including poorly sterilised medical equipment. Therefore, tattooing, acupuncture and body piercing should be avoided. If medical treatment is required while travelling, ensure that sterile instruments, such as new needles and syringes, are used. In many less developed countries, blood transfusions may not be properly screened for viruses such as HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C.

Treatment is supportive for those diagnosed with HIV. It is now a manageable chronic condition in countries and communities with access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and many people with HIV are able to live long and healthy lives. It is important to have this condition treated quickly after diagnosis to ensure it is well controlled. Treatment is daily ART medication taken once or twice a day. Once treatment has begun, it is imperative that it not be stopped, as stopping treatment, even for a short period of time, can cause the virus to become resistant to medication and damage your immune system.