Human Immunodeficiency Virus

AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). An infected person will develop large amounts of HIV particles in the blood, seminal fluid and vaginal secretion. Common routes of transmission are through sexual contact and sharing of needles and syringes among intravenous drug abusers. The disease can also be transmitted by an infected mother to the foetus during pregnancy or at birth.

Individuals will be tested as HIV antibody positive in about one month after infection. HIV is also found in the blood, which means they become HIV carriers. About 50% of the HIV carriers develop full-blown AIDS within ten years without receiving treatment. Their immunity system is seriously damaged. Signs and symptoms of AIDS include high fever, profuse sweating, enlargement of the lymph nodes, loss of body weight, chronic cough, diarrhoea, and most of them will subsequently die of multiple infections.

Before AIDS is developed, most HIV carriers appear healthy with no signs or symptoms of the illness. The only way to ascertain that they are HIV carriers is through blood testing. During early stage of infection, HIV infection may not be detected by laboratory tests during the so-called “window period”. Individuals engaged in high risk activities such as being sexually promiscuous, having male to male sex and intravenous drug users should refrain from blood donation. Mostly importantly, those with high risk behaviours must not come forward to donate blood as a means to procure for a blood test, which can pose a risk of transmitting HIV to blood recipients during window period.  People with high risk behaviours can contact AIDS Hotline, Department of Health for assistance if deemed necessary (Tel: 2780 2211; Internet: https://www.27802211.com/en/booking_hotline.html)

All the blood donations collected are tested for the presence of HIV markers. Blood which is tested positive is discarded. All information and test results concerning a HIV carrier is treated in strict confidence. The donor is informed and with his or her consent referred to a specialist medical clinic for further follow up.