HIV

is a virus called The Human Immunodeficiency Virus

about

What is HIV?

HIV is a virus called The Human Immunodeficiency Virus that causes HIV infection and over time AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

  • is it
    treatable?

    There is no cure for HIV but it can be treated by specific Antiviral Medication.

  • is it
    contagious?

    Yes, HIV is contagious and can be transferred in many ways such as:

    • through infected blood and blood products
    • unprotected vaginal, anal or oral sex
    • from a pregnant mother to baby
    • sharing drug using equipment with someone who is infected

  • who does it
    affect?

    HIV affects both women and men and can be asymptomatic this means that you may not experience any symptoms during the early stages.

  • common in
    Ireland?

    In Ireland there were 344 newly diagnosed cases in 2013. While men who have sex with men (MSM) is the predominant mode of transmission in Ireland, heterosexual transmission does occur.

What is the test
for HIV?

HIV tests use a sample of blood to detect antibodies to HIV.

Where can I
get this done?

HIV tests can be performed at a STI clinic, GP clinic or using a home test kit.

What are the
symptoms?

HIV can be asymptomatic this means that you may not experience any symptoms in the early stages of HIV. As the virus multiples you may develop mild infections or chronic signs and other symptoms such as:

Female

Swollen Lymph Nodes
Fatigue, Diarrhoea, Weight Loss
Oral Yeast Infections
Shingles

Male

Swollen Lymph Nodes
Fatigue, Diarrhoea, Weight Loss
Oral Yeast Infections
Shingles

How is it
treated?

There is no cure for HIV but it can be treated by specific antiviral medication.

Other STIs

Chlamydia

Chlamydia is the most common sexually transmitted infection in Ireland

Gonorrhoea

Also known as the ‘clap’ or ‘drip’ it's a very common infection in both men and women and can cause infections in the genitals, anus and/or throat.

Herpes

Genital Herpes or just ‘herpes’ is caused by a virus and can cause painful blisters on the genitals and surrounding area.

HIV

HIV is a virus called The Human Immunodeficiency Virus that causes HIV infection and over time AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)

HPV (Genital Warts)

Genital warts are skin growths and can cause a lot of pain, itching and discomfort.

Syphilis

It is a bacteria passed via direct contact with a syphilis sore. Sores usually occur in the mouth, vagina, anus, rectum or external genitalia.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A highly contagious infection caused by Hepatitis A virus (HAV). It affects the liver and blood, it is the most common type of viral hepatitis.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B highly contagious infection caused by Hepatitis B virus (HBV). It affects the liver and can result in an acute and severe sudden illness. It can be fatal if it isn’t treated!

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C highly contagious infection caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV). It affects the liver and can result in an acute and severe sudden illness. There is currently no vaccine to prevent Hepatitis C.