- HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
- It attacks the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight infections.
- HIV has been passed between humans for decades but was first identified in the early 1980s.
While HIV is preventable and treatable, there is currently no cure. The earlier that someone living with HIV is diagnosed, the quicker they can begin treatment. Someone living with HIV who is on effective treatment can’t pass it on to other people.
Effective treatment can reduce the viral load to undetectable levels, and when the viral load is undetectable, it means HIV is untransmissible. This is called undetectable = untransmissible (U=U).
The sooner a person starts treatment, the less likely they are to become seriously ill. That’s why it is so important to get tested regularly for HIV infection (at least once a year, or whenever you have a new sexual partner).
With an early diagnosis and effective treatments, most people with HIV will not develop any AIDS-related illnesses and will live a near-normal lifespan.
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It is a collection of illnesses (‘syndrome’) caused by a virus people pick up (‘acquire’) that makes their immune system weak (‘immune deficiency’).
You can’t get an AIDS diagnosis unless you’re already HIV positive.
HIV is passed on through blood, semen, vaginal fluid, anal mucus and breast milk, if the person with HIV has a detectable viral load. It’s not passed on by spitting, sneezing or coughing.
- vaginal/frontal and anal sex without a condom
- sharing drug injecting equipment
- sharing sex toys
- mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy
- coming into contact with contaminated blood.
Most activities pose no risk of getting or passing on HIV.
You cannot get HIV from:
- Kissing, hugging, or social contact.
- Sharing food, drinks, or utensils.
- Spitting, sneezing, or coughing.
- Toilet seats or swimming pools.
HIV does not survive long outside the human body.
If you’ve ever had sex, it’s important to know your HIV status. Regular testing is the best way to protect your health and the health of others.
When to Test?
- At the start and end of a relationship.
- Every 3–6 months if you have multiple or changing partners.
- After any situation where you think you might have been exposed to HIV.
Testing is now quick, easy, and widely available.
Why Testing Matters?
Knowing your HIV status means you no longer need to worry. If you test negative you can take steps to protect yourself, such as taking PrEP. If you test positive, an early diagnosis means you can start simple and effective treatment sooner, which will reduce the chances of becoming unwell. Now we have effective treatment, HIV has become like many other medical conditions. By taking as little as one tablet a day the virus is completely controlled and cannot be passed on. People diagnosed early with HIV and started on treatment can remain fit and well and live as long as anyone else.