An overview of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

he World Health Organization recognises HIV as a global health problem. Within the UK there are over 100,000 people living with HIV; 6,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and there is an unrelenting rate of transmission between men who have sex with men (MSM). Paramedics are increasingly likely to encounter patients living with HIV, and it is necessary for them to be familiar with HIV, HIV treatment and the tailored high-impact prevention strategies used to reduce the rate of HIV transmission. Paramedics can also attempt to reduce the spread of HIV by encouraging HIV testing, post-exposure prophylaxis treatment, and routine use of condoms during sexual intercourse. This article aims to provide an overview of HIV within the UK population.