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| Although the majority
of new HIV cases are now amongst heterosexuals, men who have sex
with men are still at increased risk of catching the disease |
See Southern Gay Men's Health Project for more information. |
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After over two decades, HIV/AIDS still poses a significant
threat to the gay community.
What is it?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that leads to AIDS (Acquired
Immune Deficiency Syndrome). AIDS is an advanced state of HIV infection,
when the body’s ability to fight infection has been destroyed. AIDS
is incurable and fatal, but with treatment the progress of the disease
can now be slowed.
If the HIV virus enters the bloodstream, it will begin to attack a certain
type of white blood cell, the T-lymphocyte cell. These cells play a key
role in the body’s defence mechanism. The HIV virus will thus slowly
break down the immune system, leaving the body open to opportunistic infections.
Healthy people can usually fight off these infections, but they can have
a devastating effect on people with weakened immune systems. When people
die of AIDS, they are usually dying from the effects of one of these infections.
AIDS was first diagnosed in the early 1980s. It spread like wildfire
through gay communities in such cities as San Francisco and New York,
and was originally thought to be a gay disease. However, it is now clear
that anyone who practices unsafe sex risks contracting the disease. In
Ireland, the majority of new HIV cases are now amongst heterosexuals.
Despite this, men who have sex with men are still at increased risk of
contracting HIV/AIDS.
Symptoms
HIV symptoms form an enormous list and vary between individuals. The
most common include swollen glands, blotches on the skin, swollen lymph
nodes, fatigue, fever and various infections. However, it is possible
to live with the virus for years without displaying any symptoms.
How is it acquired?
HIV is spread through contact with an infected person’s blood, semen,
vaginal fluids or breast milk. The most high risk activity which can lead
to HIV is unprotected anal sex. Oral sex also carries a risk, particularly
if there are lesions in the mouth. Although the chances are slim, it is
possible for a woman to pass HIV onto another woman.
Wearing a condom for both anal sex and fellatio dramatically reduces
your chances of acquiring HIV. Similiarly, dental dams should always be
used for cunnilingus. Caution should also be exercised when using sex
toys, as the virus can survive for long enough on inanimate objects to
pass from one person to another.
HIV can also be spread by sharing needles with an infected person, or
through blood transfusions (although this route to infection is now rare).
HIV cannot be spead by coughing, sneezing, hugging or sharing glasses
as the virus has to get into your bloodstream to infect you.
Treatment
At one time, diagnosis with AIDS was a short-term death sentence. However,
since the late 1990s, the advent of HAART (highly active antiretroviral
therapy) has dramatically improved the outlook for sufferers. HAART, a
‘cocktail’ of several drugs, can significantly lengthen the
lifespan of those suffering from AIDS. Although research is ongoing, there
is as yet no sign of a cure for AIDS.
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