AIDS
Overview:
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is an advanced stage of being infected by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
- Those infected by HIV go through several stages and developments with the severity and symptoms changing from one person to the other.
- There is no cure for HIV but it can be treated using antiretroviral drugs that can inhibit the spread of the virus.
- Effective optional medication is available to prevent the transmission of HIV to people at risk (healthy spouses of HIV positive individuals).
- 60 million people have been infected by HIV across the world since the virus' discovery until 2016. Half of those infected are still alive while the others have died.
- 90% of those infected by HIV in Saudi Arabia are men.
- 9 out of every 10 cases in Saudi Arabia remain undiagnosed.
Can a person be HIV positive without showing any symptoms?
Yes. However, despite the lack of symptoms, the virus continues to multiply and destroy the immune system. During this time, the virus can be transmitted to others.
Is it possible to shake hands with an HIV positive person and interact with them on a daily basis without being infected by HIV?
Yes. The virus is transmitted through bodily fluids from the infected person to the body of the healthy person. These fluids are blood or secretions such as semen or vaginal secretions. The virus cannot be transmitted through normal contact with an infected person: hugging, kissing, or shaking hands. HIV cannot be transmitted through the air, water or insect bites.
How effective is a condom in limiting the transmission of HIV?
Evidence points to condoms being 85% safe or higher in protecting people against HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms are considered an effective protection measure when used correctly every time. Female condoms are equally effective. However, no method is 100% effective in stopping transmission.
What is the transmission rate from an HIV positive mother to her child during childbirth?
Without treatment: An HIV positive mother has a 25% chance of transmitting the virus to her baby during childbirth.
If the appropriate treatment is provided during or before the pregnancy: The transmission rate is reduced to 2%.
What is the benefit of getting tested for HIV?
Knowing whether or not a person is HIV positive has two important benefits:
- Awareness helps a person take the necessary measures to access treatment, care and support before symptoms arise. This could help extend the person's life and prevent health complications for many years.
- When a person is aware of his/her condition, he/she can take the necessary precautions to prevent the transmission of HIV to others.
What are the characteristics of an effective condom?
- It is made of rubber (resistant to heat, friction and pressure)
- Check that the validity date hasn't passed
- Condoms should be stored correctly
- Condoms should be packaged and the package should be silver on the inside
- It should be packaged in the form of a square with zigzagged edges
- Check the quality of the condom. It should have the following displayed: HQC High Quality Condom.
- Check the type of lubricant used in the product. It should be water based and not oil based to avoid other diseases such as cancer.
- It should be disposed of by tying it and throwing it in the trash.
Can AIDS be transmitted through casual daily interactions with a person suffering from AIDS?
AIDS is not transmitted through casual daily interactions with a person suffering from AIDS, such as working, studying, eating, and drinking in the same place or shaking hands, hugging, using the same public facilities, or using the same public seats and swimming pools as long as there is no direct handling of fluids that contain the virus in a way that makes the virus enter a healthy body. HIV cannot be transmitted by air, through sneezing or coughing, or mosquito bites or any other insect bite. More information is available at examination and advice centers.
Is there any vaccine against AIDS?
There is no vaccine against HIV until this date. One of the biggest obstacles facing the development of a vaccine is that the virus changes its structure continuously, which makes finding a vaccine impossible at this stage. However, an effective treatment is available to limit the complications of AIDS.
Why should we raise awareness among the young about AIDS and HIV?
A large percentage of HIV infections occurs among young people, making them a direct target audience for awareness campaigns. Young people are the best at communicating between each other, and can therefore have an optimal effect on others when it comes to education, change promotion, and the mitigation of risky behavior.
What can young people do about HIV and AIDS?
Young people play an important role in protecting against HIV and limiting transmission. This role isn't limited to just protecting themselves from infection but also protecting their peers, families, and communities. It is important for young people to have all the correct information about AIDS and HIV, and about its methods of transmission. Most importantly, they should know the ways the virus does not spread. Furthermore, young people can spread awareness and educate others on the disease. They can encourage those around them to get more information about HIV and AIDS, discuss protection methods, and benefit from correct information. They can also promote abstinence among their friends, community, and family. They can be role models for their peers by avoiding inappropriate behavior, and they can encourage others to voluntarily get tested for HIV and benefit from the information offered by health providers and doctors. They can further advise those affected by the virus to seek treatment immediately.
How can we stop the spreading of AIDS in the community?
Limiting the spread of AIDS in any community starts with all members of that community adopting common correct behaviors. There is no single way to limit infections. Individuals and communities adopt this approach when they are informed of the different methods that limit the transmission of HIV, offer patients the health care they need, and support families and help them integrate in the community in a healthy way.
Facts:
- No one can be forced to be tested for HIV except in certain cases. Testing for HIV can be conducted in complete confidentiality by contacting the Voluntary Testing and Counseling (VCT) center. The test results are also confidential and no personal information is required.
- Women are more at risk of contracting HIV.
- An HIV positive person should not be prevented from working. HIV positive individuals should be treated the same as any other employee.
Home testing kits:
- The OraQuick test for HIV is a home testing kit that can test for the presence of HIV through saliva. It detects the presence of antibodies fighting the virus.
- 45,000 people across the world have learned of their infection through home kits.
- An early diagnosis offer better chances for fighting the disease.
For further information: