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Many people believe that HIV and AIDS are one and the same. Following is information to dispel this common myth.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus, commonly referred to as 'HIV' is the virus that causes Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

This virus can be passed from one person to another when infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions come in contact with an uninfected person, creating the HIV infection. Additionally, infected pregnant women can pass HIV onto their baby during pregnancy or delivery, as well as through breast-feeding.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, commonly referred to as 'AIDS'.

As the title states: 'Acquired' means that the disease is not hereditary but develops after birth from contact with an infected causing agent, such as HIV. The disease is characterized by the weakening of the immune system 'Immunodeficiency'. As AIDS falls into a group of symptoms that collectively indicate or characterize a disease, including the development of certain infections and/or cancers, as well as a decrease in the number of certain cells in a person's immune system, this is referred to as a 'Syndrome'.

HIV is a fragile virus so it IS NOT transmitted through daily activities such as shaking hands or a casual kiss. Also, you cannot become infected from hardware such as a toilet seat, doorknob, crockery, etc. Additionally, you cannot get HIV from mosquitoes.

HIV is primarily found in the blood, semen, or vaginal fluid of an infected person. As previously mentioned, it can be transmitted by being exposed (foetus or infant) to the virus before or during birth or by breast-feeding. Additionally, it can be caught by having unprotected sex (anally, vaginally, or orally) with someone infected. It can also be caught by sharing needles and syringes with someone infected.

You can prevent getting and passing HIV onto someone else. You should speak to someone who is specialised in that area and you can do the following:

Abstain from all types of sex until you are in a relationship with only one person and are having sex with only each other, and each of you knows the other's HIV status.

If both you and your partner have HIV condoms must always be used to prevent other sexually transmitted diseases 'STDs' and possible infection with a different strain of HIV.

If only one of you has HIV, use a latex condom and lubricant every time you have sex.

If you have, or plan to have, more than one sex partner - GET TESTED FOR HIV.

If you are a man who has had sex with other men - GET TESTED AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.

If you are a woman who is planning to get pregnant or who is pregnant - GET TESTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Always express your concerns about HIV and other STDs with each partner before you have sex.

Learn as much as you can about each partner's past before you have sex.

Ask your partners if they have recently been tested for HIV; encourage those who have not to do so.

Use a latex condom and lubricant every time you have sex.

If you think you may have been exposed to another STD such as gonorrhea, syphilis, or Chlamydia trachomatis infection, get treated immediately. These diseases can increase your risk of getting HIV.

Even if you think you have low risk for HIV infection you still need to get tested whenever you have a regular medical check-up.

Do not inject illicit drugs. HIV can be contracted through needles, syringes, and other works if they are contaminated with the blood of someone who has HIV.

If you do inject drugs, do the following:

Use only clean needles, syringes, and other works.

Never share needles, syringes, or other works.

Be careful not to expose yourself to another person's blood.

Get tested for HIV test at least once a year.

Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B viruses.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH AND YOUR LIFE

The HIV test detects whether or not you have been exposed to the HIV virus. There are several types of tests - blood (only using a small amount of blood), urine and an oral test..

Test results can take between a few days to two weeks, though with rapid tests, you can get results in about 20 minutes.

Free and confidential or anonymous HIV tests are available. Find your nearest clinic Here

BE SAFE - The best way to prevent HIV is to abstain from having sex. If you do have sex, use a new latex condom every time.

TALK - Talk about sex and HIV with your partners. Find out when they were last tested AND what their status was. Make it absolutely clear that you will only be having safe sex or none at all.