S.13 The Local and Global Impact of HIV Using what I have learned I am able to make informed decisions and choices that promote and protect my own and others’ sexual health and wellbeing. HWB 4-47b I know how to access services, information and support if my sexual health and wellbeing is at risk. I am aware of my rights in relation to sexual health including my right to confidentiality, and my responsibilities, including those under the law. HWB 4-48a rshp.scot

Success Criteria Young People explain the basic facts about HIV transmission. Young people understand drug treatments associated with living with HIV and HIV prevention. Young people understand and have empathy toward the experiences of people living with HIV. rshp.scot

HIV: The basics… rshp.scot

HIV: The basics… 1. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system which is the body's defence against diseases. HIV stays in the body for life, but treatment can keep the virus under control and the immune system healthy. Without medication people with HIV can develop AIDS. rshp.scot

HIV: The basics… 2. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, when the immune system can no longer fight infections. AIDS is life threatening, but if HIV is detected early and is treated, it will not lead to AIDS. That is why it is important to get tested early if you have been at risk of HIV, as it will mean that you can get treatment that will prevent you getting AIDS. rshp.scot

HIV: The basics… 3. Viral load is a measure of how much HIV is in someone's body. The higher the viral load the more infectious someone is. rshp.scot

HIV: The basics… 4. HIV medication reduces viral load. Treatment is now so effective that it reduces someone’s viral load to undetectable levels within about 6 months. If a person with HIV is on effective treatment, with an undetectable viral load, they cannot pass on HIV. There is, however, no cure for HIV and, once infected, a person has HIV for life. rshp.scot

HIV: The basics… 5. How is HIV passed on? HIV can be passed on through infected semen, vaginal fluids, rectal secretions, blood or breast milk. You can get HIV from: Vaginal or anal sex without a condom if your partner has an unknown HIV status or a detectable viral load – this is high risk Sharing injecting drug equipment—this is high risk Oral sex—this is low risk rshp.scot

HIV: The basics… 6. You can’t get HIV from: Sex with a partner who has HIV, but is on treatment and has an undetectable viral load Touching, hugging, shaking hands or sharing utensils Kissing, spitting or sharing saliva Urine or poo Biting or scratching Insect bites Contact with a discarded needle. rshp.scot

HIV is a global challenge 37 million people across the world live with HIV. This includes around 1.8 million children under the age of 14. rshp.scot

World AIDS Day December 1st https://www.worldaidsday.org/ rshp.scot

The red ribbon In 1991, a decade after the emergence of HIV, artists gathered in a gallery in New York's East Village to create a symbol and something that people could wear to remember those who had died and the struggle of those people living with HIV. They decided that the elegant loop of the ribbon shape was easy to make and replicate. They avoided traditional colours associated with the gay community, such as pink and rainbow stripes, because they wanted to convey that HIV was relevant to everyone. They chose red for its boldness, and for its symbolic associations with passion, the heart and love. rshp.scot

Film: Personal Stories from People Living with HIV https://youtu.be/2y84PSXayyY (Duration 7 minutes 45) rshp.scot

HIV Facts and figures for Scotland In the last year 361 people tested positive for HIV in Scotland. 2 young people aged 15 – 24 test HIV positive every month. rshp.scot

Film: Living with HIV – the experience of young people https://youtu.be/Wq5NZ9SiEpY (Duration 7 minutes 36) rshp.scot

PrEP rshp.scot

PEP PEP is a treatment that can stop an HIV infection after the virus has entered a person’s body. It must be taken within 72 hours of exposure. PEP stands for Post Exposure Prophylaxis. The best place to get PEP is a sexual health or HIV clinic. If you need PEP over the weekend or outside of office hours, when clinics will often be closed, the best place to go is an Accident and Emergency department. rshp.scot