HIV/AIDS prevention and good sexual health are an important part of being young, gay and sexually active in London. OutZone regularly conducts safer sex, sexual health awareness and HIV/AIDS prevention sessions as part of its weekly programme of events.

Free condoms (and lube) are available at weekly group sessions, and you can also pop in to OutZone HQ and pick some up during office hours. OutZone staff are available for confidential one to one information and support sessions about any sexual health matter, and are usually able to arrange HIV/AIDS and STI screening appointments for you at Zone 15 (in St. Ann's Hospital, Haringey) on Tuesday evenings between 5.30 and 8.30pm. See below for more information about HIV/AIDS or click here for more information about sexually transmitted infections (STI's).

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
AIDS stands for the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.

The HIV virus ultimately leads to AIDS.

The HIV virus multiplies inside your body and eventually destroys its ability to fight off illnesses. HIV attacks and destroys your immune system - Your immune system helps you fight off illnesses and diseases.

People with AIDS can die after developing different kinds of illness and disease which the body would normally fight off without help.

HIV/AIDS can be passed on through blood, semen and/or other body fluids (not saliva).

• It is spread through having unprotected sex with an infected partner or by injecting drugs if infected drug users share needles.
• In the early 1980's there were some cases of people 'catching AIDS' from blood transfusions, but this is virtually impossible now because blood is screened.
• Pregnant women with AIDS can pass the virus on to babies at birth or through providing breast milk. This is the primary way that children get HIV/AIDS.

Here are some quotes from the www.avert.org website about HIV/AIDS: (April 2007)

"...The UK has...an estimated 73,000 people – or around 0.2% of the adult population – currently living with HIV. The impact of HIV and AIDS has nonetheless been substantial amongst certain groups, in particular the gay community and, more recently, amongst people who have migrated to the UK from African countries.

London is the epicentre of the epidemic, accounting for almost half of all HIV diagnoses in the UK...."

"...In terms of HIV infections actually occurring within the UK, gay men (and other men who have sex with men) account for most new cases...."

"...it’s estimated that one third of people living with HIV in the UK have not had their condition diagnosed. Most of these people have no idea that they are infected, and may be continuing to engage in unprotected sex or other behaviours that can pass on HIV..."

Click here for more information about sexually transmitted infections (STI's)

External Web links:

Avert

GMFA

THT

National AIDS Trust

NHS Direct