BLOODborne diseases

HIV AND AIDS

What are HIV and AIDS?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that damages the body’s immune system and cripples its ability to fight off other diseases. Usually after about 10 years of incubation the immune system weakens, eventually leading to:
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) in which the body is unable to fight off serious diseases, eventually leading to death.

What are the symptoms of HIV infection?

Initially there are no symptoms, but as the virus begins to damage the immune system the following symptoms begin to appear:

Fatigue
Night sweats or fevers that don't go away
Severe diarrhea
Weight loss
Swollen lymph glands

Can HIV be cured or controlled with medication?

There is no cure yet, although drugs continue to be developed that can slow the progression of HIV to AIDS in some people. In addition there are medications to treat the various infections to which AIDS-weakened people often succumb.

How is HIV diagnosed?

By testing the blood.

How is HIV transmitted?

It is transmitted only when an infected person's bodily fluids come into direct contact with the bloodstream of another person — and only in concentrations high enough to cause infection. Body fluids that can transmit HIV are:

Blood
Semen
Vaginal secretions
Breast milk
Any other body fluid containing blood

There are three main transmission paths:

Sexual contact
Blood-to-blood contact
Mother-to-newborn transmission

What role does sex play in the transmission of HIV?

During any type of sexual intercourse or activity, the virus — when carried in the body fluids of an infected person — can enter the bloodstream through mucous membranes or a cut or abrasion in the skin.

How can sexual transmission be prevented?

Not having any sex
Sex with the same partner — if he or she is not infected
Correct use of a condom

Can I catch HIV at my school?

This is highly unlikely and the UFT is not aware that it has ever happened. However, because the virus is spread through direct contact with infected blood, you should be careful not to pierce your skin with a contaminated needle or other sharp object, or splash the eyes, nose, mouth or open wound with any body fluid.

The HIV virus is not spread through:

Handshakes
Hugs
Sharing food
Eating utensils
Office equipment
Rest rooms
Sneezes or coughs
Contact with sweat, tears, urine or feces

What can I do to protect myself?

Use “universal precautions!”

You’re confusing and scaring me. First you say the risks are very low and then you tell me to follow safety procedures. Why?

The risk of contacting HIV is very low in the school setting. But why not protect yourself by taking that extra step and following the easy-to-use universal precautions to give yourself an extra safety margin against HIV and hepatitis, a far more contagious disease than HIV?

NOTE: Most exposures do not result in infection. The risk varies with the type of exposure and factors such as:

The amount of blood involved in the exposure
The amount of virus in the patient's blood at the time of exposure
Whether treatment is taken after exposure has occurred

Even though you say the risk of occupational exposure to HIV is low, what should I do if I am exposed?

Contact the principal. Insist upon seeing a physician immediately. Quick treatment (within one to two hours) after exposure may reduce the risk of infection.

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