HIV & AIDS GENERAL AWARENESS

Why should you know about HIV & AIDS ? HIV infection is preventable with correct knowledge and adoption of safe practices. HIV affects people at the prime of their productive lives. AIDS does not have a cure at the moment. New HIV infections are high among the young people (15-49 yrs age).

HIV/AIDS- global scenario According to UNAIDS: At the end of 2007: 33.2 million estimated infections ( 30.8 m adults, 2.5 m children below 15 years of age) 15.4 million women (50% of the global population of people living with HIV/AIDS) Majority of new infections occur in young adults, women especially vulnerable Since the epidemic began, more than 60 million people have been infected HIV/AIDS is the leading cause of death in sub-Saharan Africa

What is HIV/AIDS? HIV : Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (Gradually affects our immune system, i.e. the ability to fight infections/diseases) AIDS A-Acquired I-Immune D-Deficiency S-Syndrome – – A condition caused by deficiency in body’s immune system due to HIV. – – It is a syndrome: a group of symptoms of various illnesses.

HIV/AIDS & India An estimated 2.5 million people living with HIV/AIDS Adult HIV prevalence 0.36% (male 60.7, female 39.3%); 89% infections from the age group. 8.71% prevalence in IDU, 5.69% in M SM and 5.38% in FSW. Priority to 156 category A districts (122 in six high prevalence states; and 34 in low burden states of North India. 39 Category B districts (five in TN, and rest 34 in low burden states.

How HIV does not spread? HIV does not spread by normal social contact – – Shaking hands – – Living together in the same house / hostel – – Sharing clothes/towels – – Sharing toilets – – Eating together – – Through mosquitoes bite Sharing equipment (telephone, computers, machines etc.) Kissing – – Does not spread by social kissing as viral load in saliva is low – – In the presence of ulcers in the mouth or bleeding gums - deep kissing or french kissing may be risky

Progression from HIV infection to stage of AIDS Normal Healthy Individual Gets infected with HIV WINDOW PERIOD (3-12 weeks or even 6 months) (Antibodies to HIV not yet developed, test does not capture the real status but person can infect others) HIV Positive (Development of antibodies, can be detected in test) No exclusive symptoms (mild fever or flu like features in some cases) May take up to 10 to 12 years to reach the stage of AIDS, the period can be prolonged through available treatment

How does one find his/her HIV status? Blood Test (ELISA/ Western Blot) Testing available in government hospitals/Integrated Counseling and Testing centers/private labs Window period: (A person is infected but test does not show as antibodies are not yet developed in adequate quantity. So, test does not show positive, even if one is infected. Period is generally 3 months, may be 6 months in some) GOI policy on HIV Testing: Testing should be voluntary Testing should be with pre and post test counseling Test results should be kept confidential

Treatment for HIV/AIDS AIDS is still incurable but treatment to prolong life available, called Anti Retroviral Treatment (ART- a combination of three drugs) HIV positive person does not need ART immediately With ART, life can be prolonged substantially ART is available in government centers Basic ART costs around Rs per month, may be more depending upon the person’s condition ART is life long, treatment adherence is the key as well as training of doctors