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HIV/AIDS

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Without treatment, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. But proper medical care can control the virus. People with HIV who get on and stay on effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.

Symptoms

Most people have flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection. Symptoms may last for a few days or several weeks. Having these symptoms alone doesn't mean you have HIV. Other illnesses can cause similar symptoms. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.

HOW IT SPREADS

Most people who get HIV get it through anal or vaginal sex, or sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment.

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Only certain body fluids can transmit HIV. These fluids include:

  • Blood,

  • Semen,

  • Pre-seminal Fluid,

  • Rectal Fluids,

  • Vaginal Fluids, and

  • Breast Milk​

 

These fluids must come in contact with a mucous membrane or damaged tissue or be directly injected into the bloodstream (from a needle or syringe) for transmission to occur. Factors like a person's viral load, other sexually transmitted infections, and alcohol or drug use can increase the chances of getting or transmitting HIV.

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You can't get or transmit HIV from activities that don't involve contact with body fluids (e.g., touching). HIV does not survive long outside the human body (for example, on surfaces) and cannot reproduce outside a human host.

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Risk factors which increase chances of getting or transmitting HIV

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Viral Load

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Viral load is the amount of HIV in the blood of someone who has HIV. The higher someone's viral load, the more likely that person is to transmit HIV. Viral load is highest during the acute phase of HIV, and without HIV treatment.

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Other Sexually Transmitted Infections

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If you have another sexually transmitted infection (STI), you may be more likely to get or transmit HIV. Getting tested and treated for STIs can lower your chances of getting or transmitting HIV and other STIs. If you're sexually active, you and your partner(s) should get tested for STIs, even if you don't have symptoms.

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Alcohol and Other Drug Use

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When you use drugs, you may be more likely to get involved in behaviors that increase your chances of getting or transmitting HIV such as:

  • Having anal or vaginal sex without protection (like a condom or medicine to prevent HIV)

  • Sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment

  • Having sex with multiple partners

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