<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nHIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system by destroying white blood cells called CD4 cells. This weakens the immune system, making it easier to get sick with other infections and diseases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
HIV is spread through contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids, such as blood, breast milk, semen, and vaginal fluids. It can be transmitted through: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Unprotected sex:<\/strong> That is, sex without condoms, or other forms of barrier protection with someone who has HIV. (Unprotected oral sex is extremely low risk for the transmission of HIV.).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sharing needles, syringes, or other equipment used to prepare drugs <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Being born to an infected mother:<\/strong> This can happen when a mother doesn’t know she has HIV, or is not on effective HIV treatment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
HIV can be prevented and treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). People who take ART as prescribed can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners. Here are some other facts about HIV: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- HIV is not spread by kisses, hugs, or sharing food. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- HIV is a fragile virus that doesn’t survive outside the body for long. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is more virulent and infective than HIV-2. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- HIV can remain dormant in the body for up to ten years after primary infection. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Protect Yourshelf from HIV in Hospital<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nTo prevent the spread of HIV, hospitals follow strict infection prevention and control guidelines. All blood and body fluids from patients are treated as potentially infectious: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Syringes and needles are \u2018single use\u2019 and disposed of in approved sharps containers. Re-usable medical devices are decontaminated and sterilised after each patient use. Many medical devices are disposed of after single use. Healthcare workers wear protective equipment (including gowns, gloves and eyewear) when carrying out any invasive procedures involving a patient\u2019s blood or body fluids. All spilt blood and body fluids are cleaned up according to strict cleaning guidelines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n