The Local and Global Impact of HIV I can explain the basic facts about HIV transmission. I understand drug treatments associated with living with HIV and HIV prevention. I understand and have empathy toward the experience of people living with HIV. rshp.scot

What do you know about HIV? What is HIV? (duration 3 minutes 29 seconds) https://youtu.be/YxfOu_aTzH8 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

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

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

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

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

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

Living with HIV: Personal Stories and experiences https://www. avert Living with HIV: Personal Stories and experiences https://www.avert.org/living-with- hiv/stories 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

Living with HIV – the experience of young people https://youtu.be/Wq5NZ9SiEpY rshp.scot

PrEP rshp.scot

PEP stands for Post Exposure Prophylaxis. 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

If you use condoms for vaginal and anal sex you protect yourself from HIV. If you are concerned you have been exposed to HIV you should go to a sexual health clinic or Accident and Emergency department immediately. These services can help decide if you have been at risk. If you need the, they can provide PEP. INSERT LOCAL INFORMATION rshp.scot