W EL L N ESS @ W O R K

TATA MOTORS LTD, Ahmedabad December 2011

World AIDS Day 1st December - World AIDS Day:

World AIDS Day, observed December 1 every year, is dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection.

Quick Facts about HIV/AIDS:

What is HIV/AIDS? HIV stands for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus which attacks the body's immune system - the body's defence against diseases-- causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). IT is estimated that 33.2 million people worldwide and 2.5 million in India live with HIV making it one of the most destructive epidemics in recorded history. The Virus (HIV)

The Disease (AIDS): The most advanced stage of HIV infection is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). It can take 7-10 years for an HIV-infected person to develop AIDS.

Why is HIV dangerous?

The immune system is a group of cells and organs that protect your body by fighting disease. The human immune system usually finds and kills viruses fairly quickly. Different viruses attack different parts of the body - some may attack the skin, others the lungs, and so on. HIV attacks the immune system itself - the very thing that would normally get rid of a virus. It particularly attacks a special type of immune system cell known as a CD4 lymphocyte.

Where is HIV found?

HIV is found in many body fluids including blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk.

How is HIV transmitted?

HIV is transmitted through (From one HIV infected person to other): 1. Unprotected penetrative (vaginal or anal) and oral sex with an infected person 2. Blood transfusion with contaminated blood 3. By using contaminated syringes, needles or other sharp instruments 4. From an infected mother to her child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding

How is HIV not transmitted?

HIV is not transmitted by day-to-day contact in social settings, schools or in the workplace. You cannot be infected by shaking someone's hand, by hugging someone, by using the same toilet or drinking from the same glass as an HIV-positive person, playing sports with or by being exposed to coughing or sneezing by anyone living with HIV. So you should not be fearful of interacting with persons who are living with the disease

What are the symptoms of HIV?

There are no common symptoms for individuals diagnosed with AIDS. When immune system damage is more severe, people may experience opportunistic infections Most of these more severe infections, diseases and symptoms fall under the Centers for Disease Control's definition of full-blown "AIDS." The median time to receive an AIDS diagnosis among those infected with HIV is 7-10 years.

Why should one get a HIV test?

If person in high risk group or after possible exposure, knowing HIV status has two vital benefits. Firstly, if someone is HIV positive, he/she can take necessary steps before symptoms appear to access treatment, care and support services, thereby potentially prolonging once life for many years. Secondly, if person is infected, he/she take all the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of HIV to others. Thirdly, lady is pregnant and wants to protect unborn child. It may also be recommended by health care provider if she is unwell, in order to obtain a more accurate medical assessment.

Where can one get tested?

There are many places where you can be tested for HIV: in the offices of a private doctor, a local health department, hospitals, family planning clinics and sites specifically set up for HIV testing. Always try to find testing at a place where counselling is provided. The results of the HIV test must be kept absolutely confidential.

Is there a cure for HIV/AIDS?

Although there have been many advances in HIV treatments and therapies in recent years that have dramatically improved the quality of life and life expectancy of persons with HIV/AIDS in the US and other developed countries, there is, as of yet, no cure, so prevention is the only answer

Prevention of Transmission:

Abstain from sex (do not have oral, anal, or vaginal sex) until you are in a relationship with only one person, and each of you knows the others HIV status or Use male or female condoms correctly each time you have sex To protect yourself, remember these ABCs: A=Awareness / or abstinence B=Be Faithful C=Condoms 3

Do not inject illicit drugs (drugs not prescribed by your doctor). You can get HIV through needles, syringes, and other works if they are contaminated with the blood of someone who has HIV. always use new and disposable needles and syringes Tattooing, ear piercing, acupuncture etc... involve instruments that must be sterile to avoid infection. In general, you should refrain from any procedure if the skin is pierced, unless absolutely necessary. Ensure that any blood or blood products that you might need are tested for HIV and that blood safety standards are implemented.

Team Health, Ahmedabad