Basic facts about HIV
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that damages the immune system and exposes it over time, to the risk of severe infections and certain cancers.
AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a diagnosis or description given to someone when they have acquired HIV infection and are experiencing ill health due to a number of specified infections.
There are a number of inaccuracies and misinformation surrounding the virus. For example, there is no such thing as an ‘AIDS virus’ or ‘full blown AIDS,’ as the virus is HIV. Someone cannot be an ‘AIDS Carrier’ because what they are ‘carrying’ is a diagnosis. People do not die from AIDS but an HIV related illness.
HIV is not easily transmitted and most infections have taken place through unprotected sexual activity; through an HIV infected mother to her unborn baby via the placenta, delivery or breast-feeding and through contaminated blood or blood products through an injection.
There is no evidence to indicate that HIV can be transmitted by casual contact in any social, domestic, school or hospital setting in the absence of blood or bodily fluids or through sharing of crockery or cutlery.
How can HIV be passed on?
HIV can be passed on in the following ways:
- unprotected sexual intercourse - vaginal, oral or anal without using a condom
- sharing contaminated needles and syringes
- from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding
- from contaminated blood or blood products
A diagnosis of HIV can affect you, your family, partner and friends. This page describes the help available and gives details of who to contact for further information and advice.
What do Social Care provide?
We have a range of services for adults, parents and carers. Contact Social Care customer service on 0113 222 4401.
A customer service assessor will record details of your enquiry and pass this onto your local area office who will in turn will make a more comprehensive assessment. They can then write a care plan for you and your needs.
Social Care respite care short breaks – HIV and AIDS
The Breakaway scheme gives carers of people living with HIV a chance to have a break from their responsibilities for a short period. To get more information please contact us on 0113 247 8658.
Family Placement (children) is a service we provide for children with physical disability, severe learning disability or sensory impairment.
You need an assessment for this service, usually from a social worker. To find out more please contact us on 0113 222 4403
Counselling and emotional support
The HIV, Sexual Health and Substance Use Team, uses the following HIV/AIDS organisation:
Leeds HIV Social Care and Prevention Service
BHA's latest initiative; the Leeds Skyline Service, provides support for all people, families and carers living in Leeds who are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
The service also works within communities most at risk of HIV to enable individuals and community groups to have the information and support they need to help prevent the spread of the infection, overcome stigma faced by people living with HIV and support people in their own communities.
Contact details
tel: 0113 244 9767
fax: 0113 245 7492
email: leeds@blackhealthagency.org.uk
Other services for people and their families affected by HIV
Leeds Centre for sexual health
Is an outpatient clinic specialising in sexual health services. The service includes investigating and treating all sexually transmitted infections including HIV and AIDS, sexual health advice, information and counselling available. No age limit. Telephone for appointments.
Tel: 0113 392 6724 – 0113 392 6725 (for appointments)
The haematology day unit
Advice, support, social work services, HIV testing and medical care for adults.
Tel: 0113 206 4538 (direct line)
HIV and mental health clinical nurse specialist
Offers mental health assessment and interventions for adults experiencing HIV and mental health problems, and who are under the care of a Leeds physician. Service provided for inpatients, outpatients and in the community. Advice, consultation and information on HIV related mental health issues.
Tel: 0113 392 3139
Open: Monday to Friday, 9am until 5pm
Infection and travel medicine unit
Services for people affected by HIV infection, out patient service, day care, in-patient care, counselling, support service and testing. Clinical nurse specialist for HIV provides nursing care to HIV positive patients.
Tel: 0113 206 4538 or 0113 206 4510 (direct line)
HIV dietician
The dietician can offer advice on food safety, eating well on a limited budget and vitamin supplements.
Nutrition and Dietetics Department, Parkside Community Health Centre
Tel: 0113 295 2863
Address: 311 Dewsbury Road, Beeston, Leeds, LS11 5LQ