Am I at risk?
HIV risk varies by behavior and circumstances. Understanding your risk is crucial for taking the right steps to protect yourself.
When should I test?
You should get tested regularly, especially if you have had casual sex or shared needles. Early detection saves lives.
How do I prevent HIV?
Using protection, getting tested, and taking medications like PrEP can significantly reduce your risk of contracting HIV.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which help the immune system fight off infections. Over time, if left untreated, HIV can weaken the immune system to the point where it can’t protect the body against opportunistic infections and certain cancers. When this happens, the condition is diagnosed as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).
In the first 2 to 4 weeks after exposure, people may experience flu-like symptoms, a condition known as acute HIV infection. These symptoms can include fever, sore throat, rash, headache, swollen lymph nodes, and muscle aches. Many people mistake these symptoms for the flu or another viral illness, which is why getting tested is the only way to be sure.
There are several ways to reduce your risk of HIV:
- Use condoms consistently and correctly during sex.
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a daily medication that can help prevent HIV in people at high risk.
- Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency treatment you can take within 72 hours after possible exposure to HIV.
- Get tested regularly and ensure your partner is also tested.
- Limit the number of sexual partners and avoid sharing needles.
Yes, HIV can be transmitted through oral sex, but the risk is much lower compared to vaginal or anal sex. The virus can enter the body if there are open sores, bleeding gums, or cuts in the mouth, or if there is direct contact with semen or vaginal fluids. Using condoms or dental dams during oral sex can significantly reduce the risk.
HIV testing is quick, simple, and confidential. There are different types of tests:
- Antibody tests check for HIV antibodies in your blood or saliva.
- Antigen/antibody tests check for both HIV antibodies and antigens (a part of the virus itself).
- Nucleic acid tests (NATs) detect the virus directly and are typically used for people with potential recent exposure. You can get tested at clinics, community health centers, and some pharmacies. At-home testing kits are also available.
If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, you should get tested as soon as possible. If the exposure was recent (within 72 hours), you may be eligible for Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP), a medication that can help prevent infection if started quickly. PEP is most effective when taken within 72 hours after exposure, so time is crucial.
HIV is transmitted through certain body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. The virus can enter the body through direct contact with mucous membranes in the rectum, vagina, penis, urethra, or other openings in the skin. It can also be transmitted through sharing needles, from mother to baby during childbirth or breastfeeding, or through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person.
Currently, there is no cure for HIV, but it can be managed effectively with antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART involves taking a combination of HIV medicines that reduce the viral load to undetectable levels. When HIV is undetectable, it means the virus is not transmitted to others through sexual contact, a concept known as “Undetectable = Untransmittable” (U=U).
No, HIV is not transmitted through casual contact like hugging, shaking hands, or kissing. The virus cannot be spread through saliva, sweat, or tears. However, if there are open cuts or sores in the mouth, there’s a very low risk of transmission if the infected person has a high viral load in their saliva.
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. If left untreated, HIV gradually damages the immune system and can lead to AIDS, which is the final stage of HIV infection. At this point, the immune system is severely weakened, and the body becomes vulnerable to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. However, with effective treatment, HIV can be managed before it progresses to AIDS.
Yes, with proper treatment and care, many people with HIV live long, healthy lives. ART helps keep the virus under control, allowing the immune system to stay strong. People with HIV can work, have relationships, and enjoy all aspects of life just like anyone else. The key is early diagnosis and consistent treatment.
- PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily medication for people at high risk of getting HIV, such as those with HIV-positive partners or people who inject drugs. When taken consistently, it’s highly effective at preventing HIV.
- PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a medication taken after possible HIV exposure, such as after unprotected sex or needle sharing. It must be started within 72 hours after exposure and taken for 28 days to be effective in preventing infection.