HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that invades and destroys the body’s immune system. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the last stage of untreated HIV infection. At that point, the body’s immune system is too weak to fight against any opportunistic infection.
How do I know if I have HIV?
The only way to know is to get tested. It is easy to access HIV testing. You can request it from any health care facility or buy a self testing kit.
Some people may not have any symptoms. Others may experience flu-like symptoms after 2-4 weeks of exposure such as: fever, chills, tired, muscle pain, rash, night sweats, or sore throat. These symptoms may not last long and can be confused with other medical conditions. Therefore, HIV should not be diagnosed just by symptoms.
Is HIV curable?
There is no current cure for HIV. However, we have effective medications to keep the virus under control. The patients need to take medication regularly as prescribed in order to limit the infection. Routine blood tests are also required to monitor how well the virus is controlled. People living with HIV are still able to enjoy life as much as general population.
Can I get HIV from…?
There are 4 main ways to get HIV from someone living with HIV who has ‘detectable’ viral load (confirmed by blood test): having sex without a condom, using the same injection equipment, transmission from mother to baby, or infected blood transfusion and organ transplant.
You cannot get HIV from kissing, hugging, shared food, insect, toilet seats, bathing, sneezes and coughs, or sweat from someone who has HIV. If someone who is treated and has an ‘undetectable’ viral load (confirmed by blood test that number of virus is too small to be detected), he/she cannot transmit the virus.”UNDETECTABLE = UNTRANSMISSABLE (U+U)”
For more information about HIV facts and myths, please visit: https://www.avert.org/hiv-transmission-prevention/myths
Is there any way to prevent HIV if I know I may or have been exposed to it?
PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis): for people who are at risk of HIV due to sex or injection drug use. When taken daily as prescribed, the medication can reduce the risk of getting HIV up to 99% from sex and at least 74% from injection drug use.
PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis): for people who could have been exposed to HIV up to 72 hours after the event. This is only used for emergencies.
Please talk to your doctor or any HIV Prevention Services near your neighborhood to find out what is the best option for your situation.
I am a person living with HIV; do I need to care if I get another HIV?
HIV has different types, and each type may need to be treated differently. Even though your HIV is well controlled, you still need to be careful not to get another type of HIV which your current medication may not treat.
References:
About HIV/AIDS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/whatishiv.html. Published July 14, 2020. Accessed August 28, 2020.
HIV transmission & prevention. Avert. https://www.avert.org/hiv-transmission-prevention. Published May 2, 2019. Accessed August 28, 2020.
If you would like to learn more, please see these resources:
HIV Prevention:
Oral Sex and HIV risk
HIV Testing
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) Information:
Truvada Patient Sheet
PrEP 101
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) Information:
PEP Information
HIV Information:
Acute HIV Infection Factsheet
Living with HIV
Lifestyle Management
Patient Labs
IV Drug Use and HIV
HIV: The Basics
HIV Life Cycle
HIV and Diabetes
HIV in the LGBTQ+ Community
HIV in Older Adults
HIV and Drug and Alcohol Use
HIV and Injecting Drugs 101
HIV Treatment:
HIV Treatment is HIV Prevention
Side Effects of HIV Medications
AIDS Information:
Opportunistic Infections: Tuberculosis