Australia – Take action to reduce transmission of HIV, World Aids Day

Human Immunodeficiency Virus is transmissible through bodily fluids such as blood. With time, HIV causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Disease, which is not communicable. HIV positive individuals need special health care and support from their community to live free from discrimination.

We need to understand HIV and what it means to be HIV positive to properly support the individuals living with the virus.

This year will be a ‘celebration of love and life’, commemorating those who have gone because of AIDS and remembering their love and life with partners, family, significant others and all those who have affectionate memories.

The Day also re-focuses our attention on the rising diagnosis rate of HIV/AIDS, not only around the world but in Queensland, in 2011 over 195 Queenslanders were diagnosed with HIV. This is down from 2010 (205 infections) but is still the second highest recorded figure.

Queensland Positive People Executive Officer, Simon O’Connor, said the theme for 2012 is HIV Is Still Here and reflects the need for everyone to talk with family and friends about HIV.

“It is still important to talk about not contracting and not transmitting HIV,” Mr O’Connor said.

“It is still important to talk about HIV testing and it’s still important for everyone to know their HIV status so that HIV has nowhere to hide. It is still important to talk about all these things because, through our conversations, we maintain our determination to fight HIV and reject stigma and discrimination. HIV is still here. The choice is yours.”

Dr. Darren Russell, head of Queensland HIV Ministerial Advisory Committee and front line HIV worker based in Cairns, advised QNews that they are promoting the same primary message”

World AIDS Day is one of the most globally recognised events of the year.

On 1 December each year, World AIDS Day is celebrated across Australia to raise awareness in the community about the issues surrounding HIV/AIDS. EVENTS

The theme for World AIDS Day 2012 is HIV is still here. The aim is to encourage all Australians to be aware of the prevalence of HIV/AIDS; to take action to reduce the transmission of HIV by promoting safe sex practices; and to accept individuals living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.

HIV positive people need to be empowered in society. They have the right to participate in a community free from stigma and discrimination.

Most of us are only too aware of the serious challenges that HIV and AIDS continue to pose around the globe.

HIV/AIDS still exists in Australia.

The annual number of new HIV diagnoses in Australia has been stable at around 1000 cases in the past 5 years. In 2011, a total of 1137 new infections were diagnosed in Australia which was an increase of 8.2 per cent from 2010.

HIV can affect anyone.

There is no vaccine or cure for HIV or AIDS.

The good news is that the transmission of HIV is preventable. By being informed about how HIV is transmitted and how to protect ourselves and others, we can enjoy life with safer sex and prevent the spread of HIV.

So take the first step – inform yourself about HIV/AIDS. This website contains important information about HIV and AIDS, including how you can protect yourself and where to go for more information and help. Take time to read it and then pass it on to your friends, family and loved ones. You may be saving your life and others.

What is HIV?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). They are not the same thing.

HIV weakens or breaks down the body’s immune system and makes the body vulnerable to disease and infection. Some people who have been infected with HIV experience flu like symptoms but others do not notice any symptoms for many years.
What is AIDS?

AIDS is not the same as HIV. A person living with HIV does not necessarily have AIDS, but all people with AIDS are HIV positive.

AIDS can occur after many years of damage to the immune system caused by HIV. This damage to the body’s immune system makes the body vulnerable to disease and infection. During the advanced stages of HIV infection, a person may develop a number of ‘AIDS-defining illnesses’ which can be very debilitating and possibly lead to death.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV may be transmitted when blood, semen and vaginal fluid from an infected person enters the body of an uninfected person. This can happen through unprotected anal, vaginal and oral sex, or when sharing any injecting equipment. Mothers who are HIV-positive can transmit HIV to their babies during pregnancy, during vaginal delivery and when breast feeding.

While it is infectious, HIV it is not spread like air-borne viruses such as the flu. It can’t be passed on by hugging, shaking hands, coughing or sneezing. Nor can it be passed on by sharing toilets and washing facilities or using eating utensils or consuming food and beverages handled by someone who has HIV.
What can I do to protect myself from HIV?

Always practice safe sex

It can take a single instance of unprotected sex with an infected partner for HIV to be passed on. Condoms can help provide protection from infection by preventing semen, vaginal fluid or blood from coming into direct contact with another person.

Sex can be made safer by using a condom together with water-based lubricants (lube) which help prevent the condoms from breaking. When used correctly and together, condoms and lube are the best protection against the transmission of HIV.

Travelling and your protection

If you are sexually active and travelling, especially to countries where there is a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, make sure you take condoms and sachets of lube with you – in some countries they are difficult to find or are of a low quality.

Medical procedures in unsterile conditions and blood transfusions in some countries are also important risk factors to consider.
Sharing isn’t always caring

When it comes to needles and personal care items (e.g. razors), there’s a good reason to be careful – HIV and other diseases can be transmitted through blood.

If you inject, always use new injecting equipment every time and never share any of your injecting equipment. If you are getting a tattoo, piercing or acupuncture make sure the equipment is sterile.

Testing

A blood test is the only way to know if you have HIV. You can get a confidential test by visiting your doctor or sexual health clinic. For further information check the government Health Department website in you State or Territory.

What can I do if I have been exposed to HIV?

Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

If you think you have been exposed to HIV – for example, as a result of a condom breaking or leakage, you should seek medical advice as soon as possible.Top of Page

PEP is a four-week course of one or more anti-HIV (or anti-retroviral) drugs which may stop HIV infection becoming established. The drugs must be taken within three days of exposure to the virus. Research shows that PEP can prevent the likelihood of infection with HIV, but it is not 100% effective. For that reason PEP should only be considered an emergency prevention strategy of last resort.

In Australia, PEP can be accessed through sexual health clinics or GPs who specialise in HIV/AIDS, or through hospital accident and emergency departments.

For further information on PEP you can contact your local GP or sexual health clinic. Information on HIV/AIDS & support services can be found on the contact page.

Understanding and supporting people living with HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS can affect anyone and people who are living with HIV or AIDS often feel isolated because of their fear of being discriminated against and not being accepted.

Feeling accepted and having ongoing support available can make a big difference in helping people deal with the physical and emotional challenges HIV or AIDS brings.

World AIDS Day, held on 1 December each year, is a significant opportunity to show your support for people living with HIV or AIDS. Even the simplest gestures – such as wearing a red ribbon pin – can go a long way to showing that you care and breaking down community stigmas.

If you know someone who is living with HIV or AIDS, it is important to remember that there are services and organisations that can provide assistance if needed. These services and organizations can offer you advice on how you can support people living with, or closely affected by HIV/AIDS.

Stigma and Discrimination

HIV/AIDS does not discriminate, people do. Stigma and discrimination will continue to exist so long as societies as a whole continue to judge people who have HIV/AIDS. You can help change this by encouraging others not to judge.

Information on HIV/AIDS & support services can be found on the contact page.

HIV infection rates in Australia are gradually increasing?