December 1, 2023 marks the 36th World AIDS Day. Guangdong Technion - Israel Institute of Technology (GTIIT) invited the specialists from the Jinping District Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of Shantou to popularize the knowledge of AIDS prevention for staff and students.

AIDS-related brochures and condoms were distributed on GTIIT North Campus and South Campus. Q&A sessions, games and quizzes were held to disseminate knowledge of AIDS prevention in various forms.

Currently, university students have relatively low awareness of HIV/AIDS prevention, while the risk of contracting the virus is comparatively high among them. "The theme for this year's World AIDS Day is 'Let Communities Lead'. We hope such educational activities on campus will enhance students' awareness, increase HIV testing rate, and prevent the virus in advance," according to a staff from CDC, "the HIV Post-exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) medication is available in the Infectious Diseases Department of both Shantou Central Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College. It is effective within 72 hours of exposure (ideally within 2 hours)."

About AIDS

1. What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is a serious illness that develops when HIV damages the immune system to an extent that the system can no longer fight off a range of infections it would normally cope with.

HIV is the not the same as AIDS. AIDS develops only if HIV is left untreated.

2. Risky Behaviors of Getting HIV

1) Source of infection: HIV-infected people and AIDS patients.

2) Transmission: HIV is mainly found in the blood, semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk of infected people and patients.

• Unprotected sex with a HIV-infected partner.

• Sharing unsterilized injection tools infected by HIV with others.

• During pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, HIV-infected mothers may transmit the virus to babies.

• Transfusion of blood and blood products contaminated with HIV.

Everyday activities such as handshakes, hugs, polite kisses, eating and drinking together, sharing toilets and bathrooms, sharing offices, and contacts by public transport and recreational facilities will not spread HIV.

3. Symptoms

Some people have flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection, which is called Acute HIV Infectious. It may last for a few days or several weeks. Possible symptoms include: fever, chills, rash, night sweats, muscle aches, sore throat, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, mouth ulcers.

4. HIV Prevention

1) The use of condoms is one of the most effective preventive measures in sex.

2) It is strictly forbidden to take drugs. Do not share syringes with others.

3) Do not use blood transfusion or blood products without authorization. They should be used under doctors' guidance.

4) Do not borrow or share personal items, namely toothbrushes, razors, shaving knives, etc.

5) Insist on self-love and avoid high-risk sexual behaviors.

6) Avoid direct contact with AIDS patients' blood, semen and breast milk to cut off its transmission channels.

5. Testing Agency

Go for a health care provider if you may have been exposed to HIV. Getting test for HIV is the only way to know for sure whether you are infected.

1) Shantou AIDS Voluntary Counseling and Testing Agency:

Shantou CDC, Consultation hotline: 0754-88280646

Shantou Jinping District CDC, Consultation hotline: 0754-88684323

2) Shantou AIDS Antiviral Treatment Clinic:

Shantou Central Hospital, Consultation hotline: 0754-88530091/0754-82775165

Text: GTIIT Clinic, GTIIT News & Public Affairs

Photos: Ho Yin Chung, Fan Xin, GTIIT News & Public Affairs