A to Z of services: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Print this page
Listen to our website
Change text size: A
A
A
High Contrast Version
 

HIV & AIDS

 

HIV & AIDS - What you need to know.

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the virus which weakens the human body's immune system and causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, or AIDS. HIV is transmitted through body fluids such as blood, semen and breast milk and makes it difficult for the body to fight infection. There are various treatments which can help a person with AIDS lead a healthy, active and long life if they respond well, however, they can still transmit the infection to others.

Basic facts
You can become infected with HIV (HIV+) through:

  • Unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected partner 
  • Sharing syringes and needles with infected drug users, or using other skin-piercing equipment 
  • Receiving infected blood transfusions and organ or tissue transplants      

In addition, HIV can be transmitted from an infected mother to a child in the womb, or through birth or breastfeeding.

You can't become infected with HIV through:

  • Casual physical contact such as touching, kissing or hugging
  • Coughing or sneezing
  • Sharing everyday objects like cups, cutlery, towels, and even toilet and washing facilities 
  • Swimming in a public pool
  • Mosquitoes or other insect bites 
  • Donating blood     


What are the symptoms of HIV infection?
The HIV virus allows opportunistic diseases such as cancers, meningitis, pneumonia and tuberculosis to take advantage of the body's weakened immune system. However, early symptoms of HIV infection include:

  • Chronic fatigue 
  • Diarrhoea 
  • Fever 
  • Mental changes such as memory loss 
  • Weight loss 
  • Persistent cough 
  • Severe recurrent skin rashes 
  • Herpes and mouth infections 
  • Swelling of the lymph nodes      

Protecting yourself from HIV
Remember, even though the HIV virus can only enter the body through naturally moist places and cannot penetrate unbroken skin, everyone is at risk. Prevention  involves making sure that there is a barrier to the virus, such as a condom, and that any skin-piercing or drug equipment you use is not contaminated and is disposed of safely.

Testing for HIV
If you or someone close to you is at risk of HIV infection, it is important to test for the virus as soon as possible, as the earlier someone is diagnosed, the more successful their treatment is likely to be. All Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) clinics offer testing, together with confidential advice, counselling and treatment for sexually transmitted diseases including HIV.

Testing for HIV is not as straightforward as testing for other conditions as several tests may be necessary, and it is essential to avoid any further risks which may result in onward contamination.

Discovering that you or someone close to you is HIV+ is very distressing, which is why counseling and support from either the HIV Voluntary Sector or from GUM Clinics can often be very useful - and you can reach these services at the following numbers:

  • Warrington Hospital GUM clinic 01925 662476 
  • Halton Hospital GUM clinic 01928 753217 
  • Royal Liverpool Hospital 0151 706 2623 or 706 2663 (Health Advisors) 
  • Manchester Royal Infirmary 0161 276 5200 (Male) 0161 276 5212 (Female)      


Community Care for people with HIV/AIDS in Warrington
People who are HIV+ can often stay healthy for years, however it is normal for the body to eventually become vulnerable to a range of serious conditions and illnesses. If you or someone you know are finding that any HIV-related conditions are making daily life difficult, then Adult Social Services may be able to help.

To take advantage of our services, you do not need to tell us that you are HIV+ although we will probably be able to offer more specific and more flexible help if you do make us aware of your circumstances.

Our staff have been trained in HIV awareness, and we work closely with other agencies including Health, Housing and the voluntary sector, to ensure good quality care in the community for anyone who uses our services.

To find out if Adult Social Services can help you or someone you know with HIV, ask your GUM Clinic, Doctor or contact in a Voluntary HIV organisation to refer you or contact us directly. You can contact us through the Access Social Care team. Tel: 01925 444239


More help and information
Some people with HIV and AIDS have not received the standard of treatment they deserved, or have even been discriminated against. Remember, there is no need to treat friends, relatives or anyone else with HIV or AIDS differently because there really is no risk to you.

Friendship and support are the most important factors for anyone with HIV, and the following local and national HIV Voluntary Organisations offer confidential advice and support, together with practical help for people who are affected either directly or indirectly with HIV.

Body Positive Cheshire and Wales
tel: 01270 653150 or 07958 942781
website: www.BPCNW.co.uk

Body Positive North west
tel: 0161 882 2202

Sahir House
tel: 0151 708 9080
website: www.sahir.uk.com

National & Regional helplines and organisations:

Sexual Health Line
tel: 0800 567123

Terence Higgins Trust
tel: 0845 1221200
website: www.tht.org.uk

National Drugs Helpline
tel: 0800 776600
website: www.talktofrank.co.uk

Mersey Aidsline
tel: 0151 709 9000
website: www.sahir.uk.com


For more information about HIV prevention and Drug Services in Warrington and Halton, please contact:

Health Improvement Services:
Tel: 01925 843719(Warrington)
or 01928 593085 (Halton)

Drugs Services
Tel: 01925 415176 (Warrington CDT)
or 0845 60110500(Halton CDT)