FAQ'S 

What is HIV?
How do you get HIV?
How do you know if you are HIV positive?
What is AIDS?
What can we do to help you?
What are your rights as an HIV positive woman (or man)?
Facts about HIV and AIDS

What is HIV? 

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

This is a Retrovirus, which invades your body's genetic material of cells. Normally, your body's immune system is able to fight off viral infections. But, HIV is unique as it, over time, slowly destroys the body's immune system. The virus makes copies of itself, which infect the key cells in your immune system (called CD4 cells) and either disable or destroy them. The immune system is a system of organs and cells throughout the body that keeps you well and helps protect your body against illness or infections.
Top

How do you get HIV? 

The HIV virus is in blood and bodily fluids, including semen, rectal and vaginal. It is transmitted to other people if those fluids get into their bodies. If you have vaginal or anal sex without using a condom, you have a very high risk of getting HIV. You also have a high risk if you use drugs and share needles with someone who is HIV positive.
Top

How do you know if you are HIV positive? 

You need to take a blood test to determine if HIV is in your blood.  A positive HIV test means you have come into contact with HIV and have been infected with the virus.

You should have an HIV test if you:

  • have had anal or vaginal sex without a condom
  • have shared drug needles
  • are pregnant, to ensure the safety of your child
  • are entering into a new sexual relationship
  • have concerns that your sexual partner may have had sex with someone else
  • have been sexually assaulted
  • have used a condom which broke.

Remember that you can pass on HIV to another person even though your HIV test was negative. This is because the HIV test measures HIV antibodies that your body produces, not the virus itself. It usually takes one to two months for HIV antibodies to appear in your blood, but you could already have very high levels of HIV in your body. You should have a repeat test after about three months, to make sure that you are HIV negative.

Testing positive for HIV does not mean you have AIDS - some people have the HIV infection for years without developing AIDS.
Top

What is AIDS? 

AIDS stands for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

AIDS is a collection of specific illnesses and conditions that generally occur when you have had HIV for some time and your immune system has become so weakened that it can't it protect you against infections. The body is very vulnerable at this stage to common infections, often called opportunistic infections, which can be life-threatening.
Top

What can we do to help you? 

We are here for you!

We offer the following support services to you as a woman living with HIV or AIDS: 

  • a drop-in centre in Auckland open from 9.00-5.00pm, Monday to Friday
  • access to a free-phone number for information and support
  • bi-monthly newsletter mailed to HIV positive and affiliated members and available on our website
  • FREE annual retreat for HIV positive women, dedicated to rest and relaxation with many complimentary therapies?available, as well as discussion groups, educational and informational sessions
  • social events for HIV positive women to get together throughout the year - for example, our Straight Arrow Social Dinners and Mother and Child Afternoons
  • advice and referral service to assist with any queries you may have
  • education on the benefits of self-care through exercise, diet and healthy living options.

We advocate to eliminate the stigma and isolation of living with HIV or AIDS through: 

  • HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention presentations to educate the wider community to improve their understanding of the risks of HIV to reduce the growth rate of the disease among NZ women
  • providing information to the community to increase acceptance of positive women and improve the understanding of the issues positive women face
  • training community leaders and professionals in dealing with the needs of positive women
  • Secondary Schools Quarterly Sex Education weekends
  • NZ Midwives training programmes
  • Secondary School educational talks
  • newspaper articles and TV appearances
  • working with community health professionals and organizations to provide greater access to healthy living options for positive women
  • specialist talks by one of our members who is a nurse with Phlebotomists in both New Zealand and the Hayman Island in Australia.
  • To accomplish all of this, we rely on funds received from our sponsors and any donations.

Top

What are your rights as an HIV positive woman (or man)? 

  • You have the right to take control over your own health, and make your own decisions about how you live with HIV.
  • You have the right to choose when and if you tell about your HIV status, or to keep your diagnosis confidential.
  • You have the right to choose which therapies or treatments you use.
  • You also have the right to refuse any treatments or therapies that you do not feel comfortable with.
  • You have the right to a full and active sex life.
  • You have the right to have children.
  • You have the right to work, or make changes to the way you work.
  • You have the right to high quality health care, support and counseling in an environment that is supportive, sensitive and free from discrimination.

Top

Facts about HIV and AIDS 

The estimated number of people living with HIV worldwide in 2007 was 33.2 million and there were 2.1 million AIDS deaths.

Along with international trends, there has been a steady increase in the number of HIV diagnoses in New Zealand.

It is important that HIV and AIDS are a priority, so that we don't become complacent to their effects and to ensure that those living with the virus are treated with dignity and respect, free from stigma and discrimination.
Top