How to protect yourself from HIV? The number of infected in Poland is growing

It is estimated that thirty years after the first infection was discovered in Poland, up to 35,000 people are living with HIV, and almost one in two people do not know about it and may unknowingly become infected. That is why it is worth conducting tests to detect a viral infection, doctors say.

Unfortunately, few people still want to be examined, and at the same time do not refuse sexual activity. According to recent studies, only 9% of Poles have been tested for HIV at least once in their lives. Poles.

Who should administer the test?

An HIV test is recommended when you enter into a relationship with a new partner who has previously had other sexual partners. Especially people who:

• did not always use condoms during sexual contact (including oral contact),

• had many sexual partners/partners,

• administered drugs,

• have had a sexually transmitted disease,

• had, for example, a tattoo or piercing made with non-sterile equipment.

A positive screen result does not always mean infection

A positive screening test result must always be confirmed by another test, the so-called. confirmatory test (Western blotting). Sometimes a person free of HIV gets a positive (positive/reactive) screening test result. This can be caused, among other things: pregnancy, acute viral infections, vaccinations, autoimmune diseases.

Positive confirmation test result

Only the result of this test confirms that the tested person has been diagnosed with HIV infection. In this case, you should contact the ARV clinic. The list of institutions is available on the website www.aids.gov.pl.

What is AIDS?

Left untreated, HIV infection leads to the development of AIDS or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This is a group of diseases that affect people infected with HIV. This includes various infections and types of cancer. The face of the disease has changed a lot over the years. HIV infection no longer poses a direct threat to life. Early detection and treatment allows patients to survive for many years.

What is therapy?

Antiretroviral (ARV) treatment is used in HIV-infected patients. It includes a wide range of treatments tailored to the individual needs of patients and therefore effective. This type of treatment is available in Poland.

How to have sex and not get infected?

Consistent use of condoms is almost 100% safe. protection against infection. All types of intimate contact are safe, in which there is no penetration, contact with semen, female genital secretions or blood. If semen or blood does not come into contact with mucous membranes, there is no chance of infection. Transmission of HIV through apparently intact skin is impossible - the skin is a natural barrier to pathogens. Kissing does not carry the risk of HIV transmission. Saliva is not an infectious material, doctors explain.

If the partners are each other’s first sexual partners and had no other risk of infection or tested negative for HIV and then remain faithful to each other, then there is no risk of contracting HIV. With these exceptions, safe sex is no longer safe in the age of AIDS—it can only be safer.

The most risky sexual techniques

Not every sexual contact with an HIV-positive person leads to infection of the sexual partner. However, some sexual methods are known to be more dangerous. These include:

• anal (rectal) contact carries the greatest risk for both the “passive” and the “active” side,

• vaginal (vaginal) contact is more dangerous for women than for men,

• oral contact is not as safe as was thought at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic. It is already known that the risk associated with it is lower than in the case of vaginal contact, but it is also known that they are more dangerous for people whose oral cavity will come into contact with semen or blood containing the virus.