The following are frequently asked questions and responses about HIV/AIDS as compiled by the Ministry of Health's National HIV/STI Prevention and Control Programme:

What is AIDS?

Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a disease in which the body's natural immune (protection) system breaks down, leaving it unable to fight off infections. A person with AIDS gets illnesses that are little or no threat to others with a healthy immune system.

What causes AIDS?

AIDS is caused by the virus called human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is present in the blood and other body fluids such as the semen or vaginal secretions of an infected person.

How do I get HIV/AIDS?

You can get HIV/AIDS through any of the following ways:

By having unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person.

By sharing drug needles with an infected person.

Through the transfusion of blood produced from an infected source (In Jamaica, all blood entering the Blood Bank is thoroughly screened for HIV).

An infected mother can pass the virus on to her child either during pregnancy, at birth or through breastfeeding.

Who are at risk of getting HIV/AIDS?

Persons who have sex without a condom.

Persons with many sex partners.

Persons who have had repeated sexually transmitted infections.

Male and female prostitutes.

Sexually active homosexual and bisexual males.

Persons who have sex with someone who is HIV-positive.

Past or present users of needles or persons who inject illicit drugs, e.g. heroin.

Can I tell if a person has HIV?

A person with HIV can live for many years without showing any outward signs of illness. The majority of persons infected with HIV do not know they have the virus. However, they can infect others. Persons who have been infected with HIV will eventually develop AIDS.

What are some of the symptoms of AIDS?

The symptoms of AIDS resemble that of many other diseases. However, when two or more of the following are present one may be suspected of having HIV/AIDS:

Rapid weight loss

Fatigue

Swollen glands in the neck, armpits or groin

Diarrhoea and loss of appetite lasting more than a month.

Can I get HIV/AIDS through casual contact?

No, you cannot get AIDS through casual contact. There are no cases of persons getting the disease by shaking hands, sharing the same glass or utensils, using the same toilets, telephones or any other articles. You cannot get AIDS through regular household or workplace experiences.

Can HIV/AIDS be prevented?

Yes. HIV/AIDS can be prevented. Because there is no cure for AIDS, people must be very careful to change their sexual behaviour. Here are some ways to help prevent the spread of AIDS:

Abstain or delay sex.

Be faithful to one uninfected partner.

Use a latex condom every time you have sex (vaginal, anal or oral) with every partner.

Do not do drugs or share injection needles.

Do not have sex with prostitutes.

Seek early and complete treatment for STIs.

Get facts on STIs and AIDS.

Can I get HIV from kissing?

You cannot get HIV from kissing an infected person on the cheek. Where saliva is exchanged, it is unlikely that the virus will be transmitted. This is because one would have to swallow one gallon of the saliva from an infected person in order to contract the disease.

However, the risk increases if an infected person has a sore or cut in the mouth.

Can I get AIDS from performing oral sex?

Yes, AIDS can be transmitted if there is an exchange of blood, semen or vaginal secretions between an infected and an uninfected person, especially if there is a cut or sore on the infected person's penis or vagina.

Can I get AIDS from having oral sex performed on me?

Yes, if your partner has HIV, blood from a cut or sore in the mouth can enter the urethra (the opening of the tip of the penis) or the vagina and you may become infected. However, using a latex condom or dental dam during oral sex reduces the risk of transmission. You can make a dental dam by cutting open a condom and using it as a barrier.

Can I get HIV from anal sex?

Yes, it is possible to get HIV from anal sex. The lining of the anus is very thin and can easily tear. Any exchange of blood or semen can transmit HIV.

Can I get HIV from a tattoo or body piercing needle?

The risk of getting HIV from tattoo or body-piercing needles exists if the needles are not properly sterilised or disinfected.

Instruments that are intended to pierce the skin should only be used and then disposed of or thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. If you are considering getting a tattoo or piercing done, ask the staff at the establishment what precautions they take to prevent the spread of HIV.

Is it true that if an infected man does not ejaculate then he cannot pass HIV to an uninfected person?

No. HIV is not only present in the semen that a man ejaculates when he 'comes' or reaches orgasm. The virus is also present in the fluid commonly called the 'pre-come' or pre-ejaculatory fluid, which oozes out of the penis before or during the sex act. This fluid contains semen, which can carry the virus.

What if the condom breaks during sex?

If the condom breaks during sex, the penis should be removed immediately and washed

A new condom should be used if you decided to resume sex.

I am pregnant and HIV positive. Will my baby be born with HIV?

HIV can be passed to an unborn child either in the womb or during birth as the baby passes through the birth canal. HIV can also be transmitted through the mother's breast milk.

However, there are drugs available that can reduce the child's risk of getting HIV. All pregnant women should request an HIV test from their doctor.