HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes Aids (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). It attacks the immune system until the body becomes vulnerable to illnesses which it used to fight off easily.As time passes, a person with HIV is likely to become ill more often until, usually several years after infection, they become ill with a number of particularly severe illnesses. It is at this point that they will develop Aids.
How do you get it?
- Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person.
- Contact with an infected person’s blood.
- From infected mother to child during pregnancy, delivery and breastfeeding.
- Infected blood products, for example, via a blood transfusion.
- Injecting drugs using infected needles.
You cannot catch HIV from:
- sharing crockery and cutlery
- insect or animal bites
- touching, hugging or shaking hands
- eating food prepared by someone with HIV
- toilet seats
Your local teenage health THINK clinic will give you confidential advice and support on sex, relationships, contraception and STI’s. To find your nearest clinic, visit the THINK website or call the free 24 hour advice line on 0800 138 6559.
For more information about HIV and Aids, visit the websites on the right.
