AIDS/HIV
HIV is an abbreviation for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus which is the cause of AIDS. AIDS stands for the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome which is the disease that can result from infection with HIV. HIV is part of a group of blood borne virus infections which include Hepatitis B and C viruses. All can be caught sexually and/or through injecting drug use, although Hepatitis C is very unlikely to be passed on sexually.
- General principles
- Who is at risk of HIV?
- How do you catch HIV?
- Can anything be done about HIV infection?
- First aid
- AIDS/HIV and sport
- Travel abroad
- Insurance
- Advice & support
General principles
In line with government guidelines and the principles agreed by the Council of Europe, the University and the colleges do not require prospective or existing students to submit to medical tests for the virus or to disclose their HIV status, if known.
The University and the colleges confirm that any information concerning the HIV status of any student must be treated as strictly confidential and it must not be divulged to any third party without the express, written agreement of the individual concerned. Students who have complicated HIV infection (AIDS or a related disease) will be treated in the same way as anyone else suffering from a serious, long-term illness.
The University and the colleges regard HIV infection in the same way as any other serious illness; there is no discrimination against people with HIV infection.
Students who know they have HIV or who think they might have HIV, can seek confidential expert advice from the Harrison Department at the Radcliffe Infirmary. No referral is necessary.
Who is at risk of HIV?
HIV is found in people of all social classes and racial groups, and is not specific to gender orientation. 75% of the world-wide cases of HIV infection are acquired through sexual transmission. The single most important way of preventing the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infection is through the regular and consistent use of condoms.
In developing countries, and increasingly Eastern Europe and the former USSR countries, HIV has affected a greater proportion of the population than in Western Europe. Unprotected sexual intercourse with individuals from these countries therefore carries a greater risk. Locally new HIV cases are predominantly found in the young gay/bisexual population with heterosexual cases being diagnosed most commonly in those with overseas risk factors. This includes Eastern Europe, the former USSR countries, South East Asia, Africa and India. If you come from or have a regular partner from one of these areas and have not already tested negative for HIV in Western Europe you and your partner may want to consider testing together. The Harrison Department offers free and confidential testing.
The rates of other sexually transmitted diseases are rising significantly and co-infection enhances the risk of acquiring HIV if you are exposed. Syphilis and gonorrhoea are common in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the former USSR.
How do you catch HIV?
The commonest way in which HIV is passed is through sexual intercourse (both heterosexual and homosexual).
In addition HIV can be passed between injecting drug users if they share equipment, from an infected mother to an unborn/newly born child and through the transfusion of contaminated blood products and the use of contaminated needles.
People who are infected with HIV do not pose a threat to anyone through normal social contact – living together, using kitchen equipment and sharing lavatory facilities. It is not advisable to share razors or toothbrushes. If someone is injured, bleeding or vomiting then this can be cleaned up using fresh bleach solution and rubber gloves.
Can anything be done about HIV infection?
There have been some recent exciting developments in terms of drug therapy. Using combinations of drugs which act against the virus many patients are living longer and healthier lives than was previously the case.
As yet there is no effective vaccine but this is an area of intensive research and trials of potential vaccines are imminent.
First aid
The risks of infection with HIV when administering first aid, including mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, are almost negligible. Anyone giving first aid should keep cuts and abrasions covered with waterproof plasters as a routine hygiene precaution.
AIDS/HIV and sport
Sporting activities are generally very safe and the only risk would be injuries where there is extensive or heavy bleeding involving more than one person as might occur in boxing or rugby. As a routine hygiene precaution, those involved in contact sports (for example front-row players in a scrum) should cover open wounds with a plaster before the game begins. Anyone receiving an open wound during a game should leave the field to have the wound covered before resuming.
Travel abroad
HIV infection is common in developing parts of the world such as Africa and South East Asia. There are rising rates in India, tropical South America and the Caribbean. In addition there are emerging problems, particularly with infections such as syphilis, in the former USSR and other eastern European countries. It would be foolish to have sex with casual contacts in these countries but if you do, you should always use a condom, as with any new sexual partner. There is also considerable risk in having a blood transfusion in any of these areas. Unless it is a matter of life and death, a blood transfusion should be avoided, and it is very important that the traveller has first-class insurance that covers repatriation on medical grounds without delay. Further advice may be obtained from the University Occupational Health Physician.
Insurance
Undergoing an AIDS test with negative results is no longer prejudicial to obtaining life assurance.
Advice & support
If you are already known to be HIV positive you can arrange to continue your medical care at the GUM Medicine Clinic at the Churchill Hospital. If you are worried about the possibility of exposure to HIV or other sexually transmitted infections the clinic health advisers are very happy to take telephone enquiries. Your GP can also offer advice and some tests. Full screening is best arranged through the GUM Clinic which offers a free and confidential service. For appointments telephone 01865 231231 – no referral necessary.
| Organisation |
Phone |
|---|---|
| GUM Medicine Clinic, Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7LJ | 01865 231231 |
| Infectious Diseases Clinic, Churchill Hospital, Old Road, Headington, Oxford | 01865 741841 |
| National Aids Trust, New City Cloisters, 188–196 Old Street, London EC1V 9FR | 020 7814 6767 |
| Terrence Higgins Trust (Oxford), 43 Pembroke Street, Oxford OX1 1BP | 01865 243389 |
| Terrence Higgins Trust, 314–320 Gray's Inn Road, London WC1X 8DP | THT Direct 0845 12 21 200 (open Monday to Friday 10am - 10pm and
weekends Noon - 6pm) for information, advice and support on HIV and any
other issue relating to sexual health. |
| The National
AIDS Help Line |
0800 567123 (all calls are free, available 24 hours a day) |