HIV Transmission, Symptoms, and Impact

Transmission of HIV

HIV is most commonly transmitted through:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse
• Sharing infected needles and injecting equipment

The virus weakens the immune system, making the body susceptible to infections and diseases.

Progression and Symptoms

AIDS is the final stage of HIV infection, marked by the body's inability to fight life-threatening infections.

While there is no cure for HIV, treatments are available that enable most people to lead long and healthy lives.

Impact in the UK and Europe

In the UK:

• Over 97,400 cases of HIV have been reported since the early 1980s
• Over 18,000 deaths have been attributed to HIV since the early 1980s
• 7,734 new diagnoses were reported in 2007
• 28% of people living with HIV in the UK are unaware of their infection
• 31% of HIV diagnoses are made late
• 41% of new HIV diagnoses are among men who have sex with men

In Western and Central Europe in 2007:

• 730,000 people were living with HIV
• 27,000 new infections occurred
• Approximately 8,000 AIDS-related deaths were reported
• 33% of newly diagnosed HIV cases were aged 15-29 years

Prevention and Misconceptions

HIV is not spread through casual contact such as handshakes, sharing food, doorknobs, sneezing, or toilet seats.

Major transmission methods include heterosexual sex, sharing injecting equipment, and gay sex.

Special Considerations

Babies can be infected before or during birth, or through breastfeeding, posing risks to both infants and delivery staff.

The HIV virus is fragile and quickly dies outside the body, with the duration depending on the fluid and conditions.

Research continues, but there is currently no vaccination or cure for HIV.