HIV and AIDS

What it does HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Isolated in 1983, it belongs to a family of viruses known as retroviruses. Although the syndrome of illnesses associated with HIV infection was only recognised in the early 80s, analysis of stored blood samples reveals it was present as long ago as 1959. A virus is a very simple organism, consisting of an outer coating enclosing genetic material. When a person becomes infected with HIV, the virus enters the cell and the viral genetic material is copied into the gene of the infected cell. These cells will remain infected for the rest of their lives, as HIV uses them as factories to produce more copies, which can then go on to infect more cells. Although many different cells within the body are infected with HIV, it particularly damages cells which are part of the body's defences against infection (the immune system). This is why people with advanced HIV infection are much more susceptible to certain infections (and types of cancer) since the function of the immune system is progressively weakened by the damage done by HIV. AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the name given to the collection of illnesses (or syndrome) which someone can get if their immune system has been severely damaged by HIV. How you get it Fucking without condoms and sharing needles to inject drugs are the two main ways HIV is transmitted. While there is some risk with other sexual practices such as cocksucking, rimming, finger fucking and fisting, the risks are negligible compared to unprotected fucking, which accounts for a significant number of HIV transmission cases between men. The most effective way to prevent HIV transmission - and protect yourself against many other STIs - is to fuck with condoms or not to fuck at all. That said, it you are determined to fuck without condoms and you aren't sure if you might get HIV or pass it on, there are things you could do that would make it less likely. Treatment While there is no cure or vaccine, there is a range of treatments which have improved significantly in recent years. Treatments to fight HIV work in different ways but many aim to make it more difficult for HIV to copy itself, so reducing the amount of virus in the blood. This in turn means that HIV does less damage and reduces the likelihood of an AIDS-related illness. While there have been major advancements in the way we combat HIV, there is neither a cure nor a vaccine and both are unlikely in the near future. This online advice guide is an extract from the book TOGETHER, by kind permission of Patriic Gayle and Gay Times Books. The book itself is over 300 pages long and contains:

several chapters more useful advice and information

more in-depth information in some chapters

more pictures and tables

further contacts at the end of each chapter

a comprehensive listing of gay and health organisations Described by Qx magazine as a 'Gay Bible', Together Book is a practical reference work no bookshelf should be without.

Available from Prowler Stores and all good bookshops, or click the link below for price and ordering details.

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