“Today, women constitute more than half of all people living with HIV and AIDS-related illnesses remain the leading cause of death for women aged between 15…”.¹

Umbrella
What may the HIV/AIDS Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

HIV

What is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)?

DotS the definition of HIV may vary. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition is:

“The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) targets the immune system and weakens people’s defense against many infections and some types of cancer. As the virus destroys and impairs the function of immune cells, infected individuals gradually become immunodeficient. Immune function is typically measured by CD4 cell count”.²

How can HIV be transmitted?

In HIV/AIDS: Transmission the WHO explain:

“HIV can be transmitted via the exchange of a variety of body fluids from infected people, such as blood, breast milk, semen and vaginal secretions. HIV can also be transmitted from a mother to her child during pregnancy and delivery. Individuals cannot become infected through ordinary day-to-day contact such as kissing, hugging, shaking hands, or sharing personal objects, food or water”.³

AIDS

What is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)?

DotS the definition of AIDS may vary. In HIV and AIDS: Overview the (United Kingdom) NHS’s (National Health Service) definition is:

“AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is the name used to describe a number of potentially life-threatening infections and illnesses that happen when your immune system has been severely damaged by the HIV virus”.⁴

The WHO’s definition is:

“The most advanced stage of HIV infection is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which can take many years to develop if not treated, depending on the individual. AIDS is defined by the development of certain cancers, infections or other severe long term clinical manifestations”.⁵

Common or Not

How common is HIV?

In HIV/AIDS: Key Facts the WHO note:

Women

How many women are affected by HIV?

In Women and Girls, HIV and AIDS Avert elaborate on:

In HIV and AIDS the Office on Women’s Health, United States Department of Health and Human Services, Womenshealth.gov note:

“One in four people in the United States with HIV is female. In the United States, women are most likely to get HIV from having sex with a man”.⁸

HIV Test

How do you know if you have HIV?

In Get Tested for HIV: The Basics: Overview the (United States) MyHealthfinder elaborate on:

“The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. You could have HIV and still feel healthy”.⁹

STDs

Is there an association between sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and HIV?

In HIV/AIDS & STDs: STDs and HIV – CDC Fact Sheet: Why Does Having An STD Put Me More At Risk for Getting HIV? the CDC explain:

“If you get an STD, you are more likely to get HIV than someone who is STD-free. This is because the same behaviors and circumstances that may put you at risk for getting an STD also can put you at greater risk for getting HIV. In addition, having a sore or break in the skin from an STD may allow HIV to more easily enter your body. If you are sexually active, get tested for STDs and HIV regularly, even if you don’t have symptoms”.¹⁰

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have HIV?

If you think you have HIV, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this as soon as possible.

In HIV and AIDS: Living With HIV – Finding Your HIV Care Team Womenshealth.gov elaborate on:

“As a woman living with HIV, one of the most important relationships you will have is with your doctor. Finding the right doctor can have a big impact on your well-being”.¹¹

Health Topics A-Z

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Links

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Sources

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Topic Last Updated: 04 December 2020 – Topic Last Reviewed: 17 November 2020