HIV/AIDS
- Why worry?
- Signs
- Prevention & Treatment
- Links
Why worry?
- HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). HIV damages the immune system leading to serious infections.
- Reported HIV cases have begun to increase in recent years. More than a quarter of those diagnosed in 2009 were acquired heterosexually.
- Left untreated, infection with HIV can lead to the development of AIDS, which has so far led to over 6,700 deaths in Australia.
- HIV is spread by anal or vaginal sex without a condom, from mother to baby (during childbirth or breastfeeding) and by sharing needles. In rare cases HIV is spread through oral sex and sharps injuries.
- HIV is not spread through kissing, sharing cups and cutlery, normal social contact, toilet seats or mosquitoes.
Always use a condom with water-based lubricant to avoid getting HIV/AIDS
More on condoms
More on condoms