HIV Transmission HIV facts, myths and means of protection
What is HIV? HIV stands for»human immunodeficiency virus«and is a virus affecting the human immune system, which protects the body against pathogens such as bacteria. Over time, if left untreated, an HIV infection will do more and more damage to the body s immune system: for example, causing other pathogens to spread, leading to serious illness. This can often take years. However, it is possible to halt the advancement of the HIV infection using medication. But there is currently still no cure for an HIV infection.
HIV is present in all parts of the world in some countries more than others. In Germany, for example, the likelihood of an HIV infection is comparatively low. Yet every year, people in Germany continue to contract the virus. That s why it is important to know when to protect yourself and when there is no risk of contracting HIV.
The risks in a nutshell HIV can be contracted if infected blood, sperm or vaginal fluid gets into the bloodstream. This can happen especially if you have unprotected sex. HIV can also be transmitted to children during pregnancy, childbirth or while breastfeeding. Thanks to comprehensive medical care and treatment with HIV drugs, such cases are very rare in Germany. In addition, all women are offered an HIV test during pregnancy. The virus can also be transmitted through blood reserves and blood products, for example during operations, although the likelihood of this occurring in Germany has virtually been ruled out due to specific manufacturing methods and the appropriate tests. When travelling abroad, how-
ever, the different quality in medical care should be considered. Drug users have a very high risk of infection if sharing needles, syringes and other drug paraphernalia such as swabs. By using sterile needles and refraining from sharing paraphernalia with others, however, they can considerably minimise the risk of HIV infection.
Protection during sex While there is no vaccine against HIV, there is a simple and effective way to protect yourself from contracting the virus during sex: condoms! You can protect yourself by always using a condom during vaginal sex (penis in vagina) and anal sex (penis in anus) even if vaginal or anal penetration is only minimal. avoiding getting sperm or (menstrual) blood in the mouth during oral sex (genital stimulation by mouth). Condoms or dental dams can also be used. When choosing condoms, pay attention to the expiry date and the quality of the condoms. You can tell whether condoms are certified by the CE sign on the pack. Condoms abroad are not always available in the quality to which we are used. Therefore, take plenty with you!
Condoms only provide proper protection if they fit properly and are used correctly. Detailed information can be found in the brochure»condoms protecting you during sex«and online at www.liebesleben.de. Incidentally: If you use lubricants, only use watersoluble or fat- free lubricants specifically suited for condoms. Lubricants containing fat, oils, lotions, creams or Vaseline can damage the condom, causing it to split.
Other means of protection The drugs used in treating people with HIV are very effective and can considerably minimise the risk of infection during unprotected sex. A successful course of HIV treatment prevents the virus from multiplying to the extent that any traces of HIV can often no longer be found in the blood. However, to prevent actual infection during unprotected sex, the following criteria must be met: HIV drugs must be taken reliably (as prescribed) and there must be no trace of the HIV virus in the blood for at least six months.
In some instances, people eventually stop using condoms altogether. Here it is important to reach such a decision together and that all parties are comfortable with it. NB! HIV treatment does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condoms, on the other hand, can considerably minimise the risk of contracting other STIs.
Everything at a glance...
The extent of the risk of HIV infection varies according to individual circumstances. Common misconceptions about contracting the virus often pose no risk at all and may be due to misleading and thus worrying information. The aim of this small brochure is to provide a quick overview. The following pages thus highlight the various scenarios, potential risks and non- risks in different colours: High risk Low risk No risk
Unprotected vaginal sex (penis in vagina) During unprotected vaginal sex, the risk of infection for both men and women is extremely high even without ejaculation. Therefore, always use a condom even if vaginal penetration is only minimal. High risk
Unprotected anal sex (penis in anus) During unprotected anal sex, the risk of infection for both men and women is extremely high even without ejaculation. It makes no difference whether intercourse is between two men or between a man and a woman. Therefore, always use a condom even if anal penetration is only minimal. High risk
Sharing needles and syringes If several people are sharing the same needles and syringes, the risk is very high. Therefore, always use your own sterile needles, syringes and drug paraphernalia such as swabs, and never share them with others. High risk
Oral sex (genital stimulation by mouth) During oral sex, the risk of contracting HIV is extremely low. To reduce the risk even further, avoid getting sperm or (menstrual) blood in your mouth. Condoms or dental dams can also be used. Low risk
Kissing and caressing Kissing even French kissing poses no risk. The same applies to other forms of affection, close skin or physical contact, such as petting or cuddling. HIV cannot be transmitted in this way. No risk
Everyday While everyday situations such as going to the cinema, training or working together pose no risk of transmission, discrimination and ostracism continue to be a problem and this is something we can all help change! No risk
Living together No one can contract the virus just by living in close quarters with someone who has HIV, e.g. in a family or shared accommodation. HIV cannot be transmitted in this way even through sharing the same dishes, clothes or food. No risk
Coughing and sneezing HIV cannot be contracted through coughing and sneezing. HIV is not transmitted through the air. No risk
Swimming pools, saunas, toilets and washrooms HIV is not transmitted by sharing the same swimming pools or saunas. Even using the same toilets or washrooms poses no risk of transmission. No risk
Doctors, dentists and hospitals If standard hygiene regulations such as the use of disposable materials or sterilised instruments are observed, medical treatment and visits to the doctor or hospital pose no risk of HIV infection. No risk
Tattoos, body piercings and other skin adornments Tattoos and body piercings pose no risk if standard hygiene regulations are observed. Incidentally, the same applies to trips to the hairdresser or manicures. To be on the safe side, tattoos and body piercings should only be done by qualified professionals. No risk
Insect bites HIV cannot be transmitted from one person to another through mosquitoes or other insects neither in Germany nor abroad. No risk
Where can I get additional information? An overview of the various nationwide advice centres can be found online at www.liebesleben.de. Information and advice can also be obtained personally and, if preferred, anonymously by calling the helpline or visiting the website of the Federal Centre for Health Education (0221 892 031, www.aidsberatung.de) or German AIDS- Hilfe (0180 331 9411, www.aidshilfe- beratung.de). You can also order additional brochures free of charge from the Federal Centre for Health Education by post (Federal Centre for Health Education, 50819 Cologne), by e mail (order@bzga.de) or via the online ordering system (www.bzga.de).
If you would like to know more about HIV, comprehensive information is available in the brochure»find out more about HIV and AIDS«(Order no. 70010000). If you would like more information about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), you will find all you need to know in the brochure»find out more about sexually transmitted infections (STIs)«(Order no. 70430000). More information on safer sex and condoms is available in the brochures»no sooner said than done: safer sex«(order no. 70510000) and»condoms protecting you during sex«(order no. 70520000).
For professionals This brochure is available in the following languages: German Order no. 70280000 English Order no. 70280070 French Order no. 70280080 Russian Order no. 70280110 Turkish Order no. 70280060 Arabic Order no. 70280150 A complete overview of all media covering HIV and STI prevention offered by the Federal Centre for Health Education can be obtained under order no. 70950000.
Publication details Published by the Federal Centre for Health Education, 50819 Cologne, on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health and funded by the Federal Republic of Germany. Edited by Dr Johannes Breuer Designed by Hochhaus Agentur GmbH www.dashochhaus.de Printed by xxx (Druckerei) 1st completely revised edition 1.xxx.xx17 (Best.-Nr. 70280070) This brochure is distributed free by the Federal Centre for Health Education. It is not intended for resale. All rights reserved.
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