What is HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that weakens our immune system. Our Immune system protects us from infections, cancer and disease. There is no vaccine or cure yet for HIV infection but with early screening and detection and treatment people living with HIV can still lead normal lives.
When our immune system is so weakened by a HIV infection that is not treated, it can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
How is HIV Transmitted
HIV is transmitted by body fluids of a HIV +ve person. These body fluids can be transmitted via sexual intercourse, blood transfusion, sharing of infected needles or breastfeeding and therefore HIV infection..
These body fluids are:
For transmission to possibly occur, these body fluids must come into contact with damaged tissue or mucous membrane. Mucous membranes are the soft, moist areas just inside the rectum, the opening of the penis, and the mouth.
Understanding Window period
The window period is the time between potential exposure to HIV infection and the point when the test will give an accurate result. During the window period a person can be infected with HIV and be infectious but have a negative HIV test
Our immune system produces antibodies to try to fight the HIV infection. It can take between 2 weeks and 3 months for antibodies to appear in the blood. The HIV 4th Generation Test is also called the Combo test or the Duo test can detect most HIV infections as early as 4 weeks.
