Frequently Asked Questions About HIV/AIDS

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It targets the body’s immune system, specifically CD4+ T cells, which fight infections. Over time, HIV weakens the immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses.

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection. It occurs when the immune system is severely compromised, making you vulnerable to opportunistic infections and illnesses that a healthy immune system could normally fight off.

HIV can be transmitted through the following bodily fluids:

  • Blood: Sharing needles or syringes with someone infected with HIV. (Extremely rare in developed countries due to widespread HIV testing of blood donations.)
  • Semen: Unprotected vaginal or anal sex with an HIV-positive person.
  • Vaginal and rectal fluids: Unprotected vaginal or anal sex with an HIV-positive person.
  • Breast milk: Mothers with HIV can transmit the virus to their babies through breastfeeding. However, with proper treatment and precautions, the risk can be significantly reduced.
  • Casual contact: HIV cannot be spread through shaking hands, hugging, kissing, or sharing utensils.
  • Saliva: Swapping saliva through closed-mouth kissing poses negligible risk.
  • Sweat or tears: Casual contact with sweat or tears from an HIV-positive person is not a risk factor.
  • Mosquitoes or other insects: Insects cannot transmit HIV.

    Many people with HIV experience no symptoms in the early stages. In some cases, flu-like symptoms like fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes may occur shortly after infection. However, these symptoms are not specific to HIV and can be caused by other illnesses. The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested.

    Several types of HIV tests are available, including:

    • Rapid tests: Provide results within minutes from a finger prick or oral swab.
    • Blood tests: These are the most common type of HIV test and can detect antibodies or antigens produced by the body in response to HIV infection.

    There is no cure for HIV, but highly effective medications called Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) can control the virus. ART works by suppressing HIV replication, keeping the viral load undetectable and preventing progression to AIDS. With proper adherence to ART, people living with HIV can live long and healthy lives.

    No. When someone living with HIV achieves an undetectable viral load through ART, the risk of transmitting the virus to sexual partners becomes virtually negligible. This concept is known as Treatment as Prevention (TasP).

    Several methods can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission:

    • Safer Sex: Consistent and correct use of condoms during vaginal and anal sex is highly effective.
    • PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): This medication can be taken by HIV-negative individuals to significantly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV through sex or sharing needles.
    • PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, PEP medication can be taken within 72 hours to significantly reduce the risk of infection.