The Minster Practice, Lichfield
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HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. The greatest increase in cases in the UK are now in heterosexuals; 53% heterosexual, 44% homosexual. Over 34 million worldwide have HIV/AIDS. Nobody has been cured. Available treatments improve health and quality of life but not cure. On such treatment, at least one in 8 men have detectable levels of virus in semen and are therefore at risk of transmitting HIV. Risk of infection is lower in circumcised males as the virus can enter the inside of the foreskin more easily than through other skin. The risk of HIV transmission associated with oral sex is higher than previously thought. Although the risk per episode of exposure may be low, the frequency of its occurrence may increase its relative contribution to overall HIV transmission. Condoms will provide a degree of protection from transmission from a penis. Websites: The CDC site offers specific recommendations for travellers with HIV plus advice on HIV prevention http://www.cdc.gov The AIDS Education and Research trust provides
useful information for HIV positive individuals as well as information about the
infection. The latest HIV news and statistics for the UK and worldwide are
presented. The Terence Higgins Trust http://www.tht.org.uk 020 7242 1010 National AIDS helpline 0800 567 123
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Send mail to webmaster @minster.org.uk with questions or comments about our website. N.B. Website is for practice patients ONLY.
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