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“184 people were diagnosed with HIV through antibody testing in New Zealand during 2008: the highest number ever diagnosed in one year. 91 were men infected through sex with other men (MSM), 61 (39 men and 22 women) through heterosexual contact, 2 through injecting drug use, 2 through a transfusion (overseas), 4 were children infected through mother-to-child transmission (3 overseas and 1 in New Zealand), 3 people had another means of infection, and for 21 people the means of infection was unknown or unreported.”

AIDS New Zealand newsletter, Issue 63, March 2009

 

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WHAT IS HIV?

 

HIV is a virus that attacks vital cells of the body’s immune system. Normally, your immune system helps you fight off certain infections and cancers. If your immune system begins to fail, you can become vulnerable to life-threatening opportunistic infections. When a person has HIV and one or more of these infections or cancers, they are said to have acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

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HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE HIV?

The only way to find out if a person has HIV is through a blood test. It may take up to three to four months following exposure to HIV before a test becomes positive.

 

 

HOW IS IT CAUGHT?

HIV can be passed on:

• By having unprotected sex (sex without a condom) with someone who has HIV. The virus can be in an infected person’s blood, semen or vaginal secretions and can enter your body through tiny cuts or sores in your skin or in the lining of your vagina, penis, rectum, or mouth.

• By sharing a needle and syringe or sharing drug equipment with someone who has HIV.

 

Because of advances in drug therapy there is now – U=U, which stands for Undetectable =

Untransmittable, and means if Antiretroviral therapy is taken people by people living with HIV,

and maintain an undetectable viral load for at least six months, they cannot transmit HIV.

Mother’s cannot transmit HIV to their unborn child, partners cannot transmit through sex. For

more information see: https://www.nzaf.org.nz/awareness-and-

prevention/prevention/undetectable-viral-load-u-u/

 

People who are HIV positive may remain healthy for many years If they

take antiretroviral drug therapy they cannot transmit HIV.

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In New Zealand, If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to HIV you can take Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).

For more information see: https://www.nzaf.org.nz/awareness-and-

prevention/prevention/pre-exposure-prophylaxis-prep/

 

CAN HIV BE TREATED?

HIV can be managed through drug therapy.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is made by a blood test that shows if a person has antibodies to HIV. Results can take up to 8 days. The NZAF has a new, rapid test for HIV called FASTEST (Free, Anonymous, Simple Test). This involves a finger-prick blood test by a nurse or doctor during a one hour appointment. This new test gives a result within 20 minutes.

 

It can take up to three months after HIV has entered the body before antibodies will show up in a test. This is called the window period. During the window period, the HIV test may not be able to detect infection. If you have a test during the window period you may need a further test.

 

Although HIV is a serious infection and there is no cure for this virus many people with HIV and AIDS are living longer, healthier lives today, thanks to new and effective treatments. A doctor can prescribe a combination regimen of antiretroviral medications.

 

WHAT ABOUT MY PARTNER?

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Your partner should ask for an HIV test if you are HIV positive and have had unprotected sex with your partner. It is important to remember that a person infected with HIV carries the virus for life and can infect others if safer sex is not practiced

 

HOW CAN I PROTECT MYSELF AND MY CLIENT FROM HIV?

 

Prevention is by use of:

• Dental dams to create a barrier between the mouth and vagina during sex

• Always use condoms during vaginal, anal or oral sex.

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COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Can I work with HIV?

You can work but you need to protect yourself from other sexually transmitted diseases so continue to use condoms.

 

Do I need to tell my boss?

Your boss only needs to know that you are sick and need time off from work. If you need a doctor's note instruct the doctor to not include the diagnosis and to specify the number of days you need off from work.

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Do I have to stop working?

HIV never goes away and you can potentially infect others if you have unprotected sex. So long as you use protection during sex:

• You do not have to disclose your HIV status.

• No law can prevent you from working in the sex industry.

 

Should I tell my clients?

Since you will always use protection when having sex you shouldn't need to tell the client your current sexual health status. However, if a condom breaks during sex you should advise the client to get a sexual health check-up.

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Should I tell other people I work with?

You should keep some things in your life private and an STI should be one of them. Some people are relaxed about disclosing that they have an STI to workmates. However, this information can be spread around and move beyond your control.

 

MORE INFORMATION?

Contact NZPC, your local Sexual Health Clinic or Family Planning Association.