Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) attacks the body’s defence or immune system and inhibits its ability to fight infections and diseases. Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is when a person’s defence system is damaged by HIV and they are susceptible to infections. HIV/AIDS cannot be cured. But people with HIV and AIDS can live for years. Many people lead healthy lives. But some people can get very sick and die. HIV is diagnosed via a blood test. A person who tests positive is described as HIV positive.
There are many ways to stop HIV developing into AIDS. A healthy lifestyle with plenty of rest, exercise and a good diet helps. Keeping a positive attitude and joining support groups can also help. It is important to get regular health checks. There are drugs that can help too. Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) is becoming more accessible in Cambodia. It is used to contain the virus. Other drugs can be used to prevent serious illnesses or opportunistic infections that commonly affect people with HIV/AIDS.
HIV can only be transmitted via body fluids from an HIV positive person. This can only happen through unprotected sex, sharing a syringe or through breast milk.
The only other ways to get HIV are from mother to child during pregnancy or birth if the mother is HIV positive, through a transfusion with infected blood (in some countries) or by injury where the skin is pierced, such as needlestick or body piercing, and exposed to HIV.
