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Glossary

Selected words and phrases

substitution therapy – using a prescription drug, eg methadone or buprenorphine, to stop using heroin.

HIV transmission is when the virus passes from one person to another. When this is from mother to baby it is called mother-to-child transmission (MTCT), perinatal or vertical transmission. Children who become HIV-positive in this way are called vertically infected children

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome – see: IRIS

ChemSex is a common term used by gay men for drug use that includes at least one of these three recreational drugs: meth, meph and G.

  • Methamphetamine (crystal/crystal meth/Tina/meth).
  • Mephedrone (meph/drone).
  • GHB/GBL* (G, Gina).

Differences between ChemSex and recreational drugs.

primary HIV infection (PHI) – early infection (usually first six months with after HIV infection). Sometimes called acute infection.