AIDS / HIV

1. What is AIDS/HIV?

　AIDS, which stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, is a disease caused by infection with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).
　Infection with HIV destroys lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell), which play the central role in the immune system, thus weakening the infected person’s immunity against illness. The weakened immunity allows bacteria, viruses, and molds that do not have serious effect on a healthy body to cause various infectious diseases and malignant tumors. This state of illness is called AIDS.

2. Increasing AIDS/HIV cases

　AIDS/HIV cases are increasing worldwide. The number of people infected by sexual contact is increasing in Japan as well.
　In order to delay the onset of AIDS and prevent passing infection to others, it is important to become aware HIV infection at an early stage and receive appropriate treatment.

3. HIV infection can be detected by an HIV test.

　Infection with HIV does not mean an immediate onset of AIDS. During several years of a symptom-free period, the immune system is gradually weakened, making the body less resistant and leading to the onset of AIDS.
　The asymptomatic incubation period varies depending on the person, but is said to be several to 10 years. However, since HIV is present in the body, it is possible to infect the other person through unprotected sexual activity.
　Therefore, it is important to check for infection by receiving an HIV test.
　HIV infection can be detected by examining the blood for antigens or antibodies to HIV. It usually takes six to eight weeks for HIV antibodies to develop after being infected with HIV, so accurate results can be expected by receiving the test at least three months after the potentially infectious activity.

HIV Testing and HIV/AIDS Counseling Map in Japan
日本(にっぽん)の HIV 検査(けんさ)と HIV /AIDS 相談(そうだん)について

4. Treatment

　Due to advances in the treatment of HIV infections, it is possible to delay the onset of HIV by properly taking medicine and to control the disease by going to the hospital on a regular basis without hospitalization, as with other chronic diseases.
　If you become aware of HIV infection, it is important to consult a medical institution immediately and continue treatment even if you do not have any subjective symptoms.
  In Fukuoka Prefecture, an AIDS treatment system centered on AIDS treatment base hospitals has been established.

5. Infection prevention

　There are three transmission routes for HIV: sexual activity, blood infection, and mother-to-child transmission.
　The most common route is sexual activity. HIV is mainly contained in blood, semen, and vaginal discharge and is transmitted during sexual activity through the mucous membranes of the genitals, anus, mouth, etc. or wounds. Proper use of condoms is the most effective way to prevent HIV infection.
　Blood infections are caused by blood transfusions and sharing syringes among drug users, but donated blood is rigorously tested to ensure the highest level of safety.
　Regarding mother-to-child transmission, if the infection of a pregnant woman is detected at an early stage, it is possible to reduce the risk of transmission to the fetus.