What is AIDs?
Acquired Immune Deficiency syndrome is caused by HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and is the name for the final stage of the virus. The virus infects and weakens the immune system making it difficult for people affected to fight off illness.
What causes AIDs?
One of the primary causes of HIV/AIDs is through unprotected sex. It has also been transmitted through injecting drugs with needles that have infected blood on them, blood transmissions or organ donations from someone who is affected and from mother to baby through breast feeding.
AIDs is NOT caused or transmitted by:
Hugging, kissing or shaking hands with someone, even if they have HIV as HIV cannot survive outside the body.
Insect bites
Breathing the same air as a person with HIV/AIDs
New or sterilised needles
Water
Musical instruments
Toilet seats
Oral sex or mutual masturbation
Tattoos and piercings (unless the needle has not been sterilised)
December 1st was AIDs Awareness Day. This international campaign has been held every year since 1988 and encourages people to talk about HIV/AIDs and combat misconceptions surrounding it. This year the campaign’s theme is
The symbol of World Aids Day is a Red Ribbon, which was created in 1991 by a New York Arts Organisation to help raise awareness of HIV.
Lauren Dempster-Edwards