Contrary to popular belief not only is HIV/AIDS still around, but it is actually on the increase. According to figures published by the United Nations AIDS program, there are now 42 million people living with HIV world wide, and 3.2 million are children.

In Britain, around 41,200 people are thought to be infected with HIV, and a third of them do not know. The highest rate of new cases ever was recorded as recently as 2001. The number of people infected in the UK is expected to rise by 50% over the next five years. Fifteen thousand people have died of HIV-related diseases so far.

HIV
HIV stands for "Human Immunodeficiency Virus". This virus gets inside our body and then stops our immune system from working properly. This happens over a period of time and the length of time taken is different for each person. When the immune system is disrupted, we are more prone to infections.

Normally when infections get inside us, our own immune system knows about it. There are a lot of different "cells" spread around inside us that have different roles to play in fighting infection. They move around the body where ever they are needed. The two main types are red blood cells and white blood cells. The white blood cells are split into two main camps

"B cells" identify foreign organisms and signal other cells to attack it.
"T cells" are split into types:
CD4 cells organise the immune system's response to infection.
CD8 cells attack and destroy infected cells.
HIV is different from other viruses in that it attacks the CD4 cells and makes them produce more HIV virus.

How does it get inside our bodies?
It is mainly passed on through body fluids. The main fluids are:

Breast milk
Blood
Semen
Vaginal fluids.

The most common ways that HIV gets inside our bodies include:

Penetrative sex (without a condom)
Drug equipment (if it's already been used by an infected person)
Getting blood infected with HIV inside us, such as sharing razors, or tatooing or body/ear piercing equipment.
A woman to her baby during birth, or breast feeding.

What is AIDS?
Although with careful medical interventions such as various drugs and treatments, many people with HIV can stay well for many years. Some people will still have times of illness, and people still die of AIDS-related illness.

If someone with HIV does become ill with one or more of a number of particular illnesses, they may be diagnosed medically as having "Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome" (AIDS).

AIDS itself is not a virus or a single illness. It is a term used to describe certain illnesses connected with HIV.

Help & Support
One place to go is the Department of Genito-Urinary Medicine (GU) clinic at a large hospital. The clinics are free and confidential. Anyone can go; doctors do not need to refer you.

There may be a specialist agency offering information, emotional support and practical help in your area.
National AIDS help line (24 hours) Call: 0800 567 123




About the Author
Copyright Andrea Sheehy 2005. All rights reserved. Andrea Sheehy is qualified and experienecd couple and relationship counsellor. For more information about couple counselling visit her website:http://www.andrea-sheehy.com/