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There is still no cure for HIV or AIDS and millions of people around the world die from AIDS each year. It is important that everyone understands what AIDS is and how it can affect you and the people around you.

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More on AIDS and HIV...

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. The virus HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) eventually causes AIDS. HIV weakens the body’s immune system making it difficult to fight infection. As a result, infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis are much more dangerous to someone who has HIV or AIDS.

HIV can be contracted in the following ways:

Through unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person (this is the most common form of transmission)
Through sharing needles or syringes with someone who is infected with the virus
Through contaminated blood or blood products. In the UK the risk of this is greatly reduced as since 1985 all blood donations are screened
From mother to child. A pregnant mother may transmit the virus in the womb, at birth or later through breastfeeding

The Myths about AIDS and HIV:

HIV cannot be transmitted through ordinary day to day contact such as kissing, coughing, sneezing or holding hands
The virus cannot pass through the air
The virus cannot pass through intact external skin
People once thought you could contract AIDS from toilet seats or from hair brushes, but there is no truth in this whatsoever.

Treatment for HIV and AIDS

At the moment there is no cure or vaccine for HIV. There are a number of anti-HIV drugs available that can slow down the progression of the virus and prolong life expectancy. The most effective way to deal with this virus is prevention, i.e. using condoms and clean needles.

Where to Get Help and More Information

Below are some contact numbers and website links to organisations that can offer support, information and advice.

National AIDS Helpline: Free 24-hour confidential advice on all aspects of HIV and AIDS. FREEPHONE 0800 567 123.

The HIV Support Centre "seek to prevent the spread of HIV through information, education and awareness …."

For free, confidential information, advice and support on all aspects of HIV/AIDS and sexual health call the "Aids and Sexual Health helpline" FREE on 0800 137 437 or visit www.thehivsupportcentre.org.uk.

The National AIDS Trust (NAT) is the UK's leading HIV and AIDS policy development and campaigning organisation.

NAT works in the UK and internationally for policies that will prevent HIV transmission, improve access to treatment, challenge HIV stigma and discrimination and secure political leadership to effectively fight AIDS. Visit their website at www.nat.org.uk.

AVERT is an international HIV and AIDS charity based in the UK, with the aim of AVERTing HIV and AIDS worldwide. Through their highly successful website, www.avert.org, AVERT take education and information to people in almost every country in the world.

The Terrence Higgins Trust: Worried about HIV? Would you like to talk to someone about it? The Terrence Higgins Trust can give you HIV information, advice and support over the phone. Why not call now for peace of mind? Lines are open 10am - 10pm Monday - Friday, and 12 noon - 6pm on Saturday and Sunday. Call 0845 1221 200 or visit www.tht.org.uk.

LOCAL CONTACTS

Body Positive North East: Since 1988 Body Positive North East have been providing a variety of services to those affected by HIV and AIDS. Telephone us on 0191 232 2855 or visit our website at www.newcastle.gov.uk/hivservices.nsf/a/bpne.

North East AIDS Care: An organisation that seeks to promote good health and improve quality of life through support, encouragement and education. Telephone them on 0191 281 5200 or visit www.newcastle.gov.uk/hivservices.nsf/a/neac.

HIV Care Newcastle: For queries about HIV, AIDS and other health related questions, ring The Sexual Healthline FREE on 0800 567123. You can also get more information from their website at www.newcastle.gov.uk/hivservices.nsf/a/home.