HAART (Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy)
Highly Active Antiretroviral Treatment. Combination therapy with 3 or more ARV drugs used to treat HIV.
|
Haemoglobin
The substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
|
Haemophilia
An inherited (genetic) disease which causes abnormally easy bleeding or bruising. Some people with haemophilia have been infected with BBVs through contaminated blood products.
|
Harm reduction
A principle that accepts the reality that it is difficult to stop people performing risky activities (such as drug use or unsafe sexual practices) and instead aims to reduce the harms associated with those activities.
|
HAV (Hepatitis A virus)
Hepatitis A is an acute viral infection of the liver, usually transmitted through contaminated food or drink but which can also be sexually acquired, especially through oro-anal contact.
|
HBV (Hepatitis B virus)
Hepatitis B is a virus that affects the liver which is very common worldwide. Approximately 95% of otherwise healthy adults will recover from acute HBV infection without progressing to chronic infection, but most babies and young children will develop chronic infection. Vaccine-preventable and treatable.
|
HCC (Hepatocellular Carcinoma)
Liver cancer. Most commonly occurs as a complication of chronic viral hepatitis, especially HBV.
|
HCV (Hepatitis C virus)
Hepatitis C is a virus that affects the liver. Approximately 75% of people who are infected will develop chronic HCV infection. Some people will clear the virus naturally or following antiviral treatment. No vaccine available.
|
HDV (Hepatitis D virus)
Hepatitis D is a virus that can only infect people who have hepatitis B infection. HDV can lead to serious liver disease and is difficult to treat. Vaccination against HBV protects against HDV because only people with HBV can be infected with HDV.
|
Health Undertaking
A condition of immigration visas granted to people with certain health conditions, that requires them to undergo further medical follow-up once they arrive in Australia.
|
Heart disease
Conditions which affect the function of the heart, including angina, heart attacks, and heart failure.
|
Hepatitis
Inflammation of the liver, usually caused by one of the hepatitis viruses. Hepatitis B, C (and in some cases D) viruses are those with the potential to produce chronic (long-term) infection and liver damage. Hepatitis A and E typically cause acute (short-term) hepatitis, and are acquired through contaminated food or water.
|
Hepatitis B core antibody
An antibody which is present in anyone ever infected with HBV, including those with chronic or resolved infection.
|
Hepatitis B e antigen
A marker of viral replication and infectivity.
|
Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin
A blood product rich in antibodies against HBV which can be injected into people (including newborn babies) who have been exposed to HBV to help prevent infection.
|
Hepatitis B surface antibody
Indicates immunity after past infection with, or vaccination against HBV.
|
Hepatitis B vaccine
A series of injections which can immunise a person against HBV infection.
|
Hepatologist
A doctor or nurse who specialises in liver disease, usually working out of a liver clinic.
|
Heroin
An illicit depressant drug that produces feelings of happiness and reduces physical pain.
|
Herpes Zoster (Shingles)
A virus that causes a painful rash that occurs in people who have had chicken pox. It is caused by the VZV (chickenpox) virus, not by HSV (herpes simplex) virus.
|
Heterosexual
A word used to describe someone who is attracted to or has sex with people of the opposite sex.
|
HEV (Hepatitis E virus)
Hepatitis E is spread through contaminated food and water like hepatitis A, but is less common in Australia and usually seen in returned travellers from endemic areas.
|
High risk practices
High risk practices are activities that have an increased chance of harm, including contracting or transmitting a BBV or STI.
|
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
The virus that causes AIDS. There is no cure and no vaccine to protect against HIV infection, but treatments are available to prevent progression to AIDS and keep people with HIV healthy.
|
HIV antibody
Protein produced by the immune system in response to HIV infection.
|
HIV test
A test used to find out if a person has HIV. This is usually an antibody test. Results can be positive, negative or indeterminate.
|
Homophobia
Fear or intense dislike of homosexual people because of their sexuality.
|
Homosexual
A word used to describe a man who is sexually attracted or has sex with other men or a woman who is sexually attracted to or has sex with other women.
|
Hormonal contraception
Hormone based medication that prevents a pregnancy from occurring.
|
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus)
A virus which infects the skin and mucous membranes. Some HPV are sexually transmitted. Causes genital and anal warts, and cervical cancer. A vaccine against HPV has recently become available.
|
HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus)
A common virus which has two types: HSV 1 and HSV2. Herpes can occur on and around the mouth and the genitals. Can be sexually transmitted.
|
Hyperlipidemia
Abnormally high levels of cholesterol and other lipids (fats) in the blood, which increases the risk of diseases such as heart attack or stroke. Can be caused by some ART drugs used in HIV treatment.
|