AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is caused by a virus called human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV can damage the immune system of the body and so expose an infected person to a variety of illnesses, and some rare forms of cancer.

Is HIV/AIDS an easy disease to catch?

HIV/AIDS can only be spread by:

Unprotected anal and vaginal intercourse with an infected person.
An exchange of blood by sharing needles, syringes and by other injecting equipment by injecting drug users.
Sometimes by an infected mother to her baby.

In all cases, for transmission to occur, the virus has to leave the body of an infected person and enter the bloodstream of another uninfected person. The virus must also be in a sufficient quantity or 'dose' to set up infection.

What causes Hepatitis B?

Hepatitis B is caused by a virus that is transmitted in a similar way to HIV. It is much more highly infectious than HIV, but those precautions that protect a person from HIV are also effective against hepatitis B.

A person infected with hepatitis B may have mild or unobserved symptoms, or experience severe illness. In most people, the infection clears up leaving life-time immunity; however, about 10 per cent of those who have an acute infection become carriers and remain infectious for life. Immunisation is available against hepatitis B.

Can these diseases be spread in a sporting environment?

The way these diseases can be spread in a sporting environment is very limited indeed. They are not spread by touching, hugging, shaking hands or sharing toilets. Showers, spas or drink bottles do not spread these two diseases, although they may spread other infectious diseases. Sensible precautions with bleeding wounds can prevent the possibility of transmission of HIV and hepatitis B.

A person infected with HIV or hepatitis B presents an extremely low risk to fellow players, and no risk at all to social contacts or providers of services. However, precautions are necessary to prevent the spread of these diseases to sexual partners.

People infected by HIV or hepatitis B are protected by law in Victoria against discrimination. It is unlawful to ban anyone who has these diseases, or who may be perceived to have these diseases, from participating in sport. People who have HIV or who are hepatitis B carriers are also legally entitled to have this information remain confidential. Sporting participants are not entitled to have access to such information to protect themselves.

The most effective and appropriate way for those involved in sport to be protected against HIV and hepatitis B, or any other blood-borne infections, is for simple procedures to be adopted in every situation where there is a blood spill. These procedures will prevent the possibility of infected blood entering the bloodstream of another person.

What are these simple procedures?

These procedures are neither difficult nor expensive and should be adopted by all participants; coaches, trainers and first-aid officers.

Persons administering first aid when bleeding has occurred should wear protective gloves at all times.
Blood should be wiped from the face and limbs of participants. Bloodstained material, including bloodstained clothing, should be placed in a plastic bag for disposal or laundering. No soiled towel should be re-used.
Participants should not be allowed to continue in the game until bleeding has stopped and the wound cleaned and covered.
If an accident occurs there is concern about infection, and medical advice should he sought immediately.
Those responsible for dealing with injuries on the sporting field should consider being immunised against hepatitis B, but this is not a substitute for sound infection control measures.