Support for people with HIV
What is HIV?
HIV is the virus that may lead to AIDS. It can attack the body's defence system preventing it from fighting illnesses and infections.
HIV is not passed on by shaking hands, kissing, touching or hugging, sharing cups, cutlery, crockery or towels. HIV is not spread by sneezing or coughing or from tears or sweat. A person does not get infected with HIV from daily contact.
How can HIV be passed on?
HIV can be passed on in the following ways:
- Unprotected sexual intercourse - vaginal, or anal without using a condom (and in some circumstances through oral sex without a condom)
- Sharing contaminated needles, syringes and 'works'
- From an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding
- From contaminated blood or blood products
A diagnosis of HIV affects you, your family, partner and friends. This site describes the help available and provides details of who to contact for further information and advice.
What services are available?
You can get social work support and counselling for children, young people and adults infected and affected by HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C as well as confidential counselling and testing, at Sheffield City Council Social Services Forge Centre.
Useful Organisations
National AIDS Helpline (Tel:0800 567 123)
Useful Websites
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