HIV: Stands for "human immunodeficiency virus". HIV infects the cells in the human immune system, progressively impairing or destroying them, leading to immune deficiency.
Aids: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, refers to infections and symptoms associated with immune deficiency. Infection with HIV has been established as the underlying cause of Aids.
First cases: Aids was first identified in the US in 1981.
Infection: HIV can only be passed by the transfer of blood, semen, vaginal fluids or breast milk from an infected person.
Tests: Someone needs to be tested three months after a possible infection to obtain an accurate result.
Contact information:
www.aidswest.ie/groups.htm
www.cairde.ie
Dublin Aids Alliance: www.dublinaidsalliance.com
Red Ribbon Project: www.redribbonproject.com
EuroHIV: www.eurohiv.org
European Surveillance of Sexually Transmitted Infections: www.essti.org
Health Protection Surveillance Centre: www.hpsc.ie
Open Heart House: www.openhearthouse.ie
UNAIDS: www.unaids.org
Do You Choose It?: www.doyouchooseit.com