Key Facts About Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV, is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Getting answers to common questions can help increase awareness and knowledge to prevent transmission.
HIV Transmission
HIV is spread through contact with certain bodily fluids. Common questions about transmission risks include:
Can you get HIV from kissing?
HIV cannot be transmitted through closed-mouth kissing. Open-mouth kissing could transmit HIV if blood is exchanged, but the risk is extremely low.
Can you get HIV from oral sex?
It is possible but rare to contract HIV from oral sex. Risk increases if other STIs are present that could cause oral lesions.
Can you get HIV from sex toys?
Shared sex toys could pose a transmission risk if blood or bodily fluids are exchanged. Using condoms on toys and thoroughly cleaning between uses reduces this risk.
Can you get HIV from tattoos or piercings?
Reused, contaminated needles can transmit HIV. However, most tattoo parlors and piercing studios use sterile disposable needles making transmission unlikely.
Can HIV spread through food handled by someone with HIV?
HIV cannot be transmitted through food. The virus is unable to survive exposure to air or temperatures involved in cooking.
HIV Testing and Diagnosis
Getting tested is the only way to know if you have HIV. Common testing questions include:
What is the window period for HIV testing?
The window period refers to the time between potential exposure and a test's ability to detect infection. Modern HIV tests have a window period of around 2-3 weeks.
How long after exposure can HIV be detected?
HIV may be detectable as early as 2 weeks post-exposure, but results are most reliable after the 3 month mark. This allows the body to develop antibodies detectable by tests.
Can you get a false positive HIV test result?
False positive results are possible but unlikely with modern testing methods. Repeat testing helps confirm a true positive result.
What is involved in an HIV test?
Most HIV tests involve a simple blood draw or oral swab. Rapid results are available in under an hour. At-home testing kits are also available.
HIV Symptoms
Recognizing symptoms is key for early HIV detection and treatment.
How long after exposure do HIV symptoms appear?
Most people develop symptoms 2-4 weeks after exposure. However, some people remain asymptomatic for years after infection.
What are early HIV symptoms?
Early symptoms often include fever, swollen glands, sore throat, rash, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Symptoms usually last 1-2 weeks.
What are the symptoms of late-stage HIV?
Late-stage HIV can cause symptoms like rapid weight loss, recurring fever, pneumonia, diarrhea, night sweats, and yeast infections. Without treatment, it progresses to AIDS.
HIV Treatment and Medication
Treatment can prevent HIV from advancing and reduce transmission risk.
What medications are used to treat HIV?
HIV is treated using antiretroviral therapy (ART), which typically combines three or more medications that stop the virus from reproducing.
How effective is medication at controlling HIV?
ART is very effective at controlling HIV when taken properly. It reduces viral load, prevents symptom progression, and allows people with HIV to live long healthy lives.
Can HIV infection be cured?
There is currently no cure for HIV, but consistent treatment allows patients to manage it as a chronic condition.
HIV Prevention
Preventing exposure remains crucial to stopping HIV spread.
What is PrEP for HIV prevention?
PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis is a daily medication for high-risk people that prevents HIV infection from exposures.
Does taking PrEP frequently lead to risky behavior?
Research shows PrEP does not cause people to engage in riskier behaviors. PrEP provides reliable protection even for people with multiple partners.
How well does PrEP protect against HIV transmission?
When taken consistently, PrEP reduces HIV transmission risk during sex by over 90% when combined with condoms.
Can you get HIV when you are undetectable?
People with undetectable viral loads due to ART cannot transmit HIV through sex. U=U or undetectable equals untransmittable.
HIV and AIDS: Key Differences
Confusion often surrounds how HIV differs from AIDS. It is important to understand the distinction.
What Is the Difference Between HIV and AIDS?
HIV is the virus that attacks the immune system if untreated over time. AIDS is the most severe phase and occurs when HIV has led to major immune system damage.
Can You Have HIV Without Having AIDS?
Yes, you can have HIV for many years without it progressing to AIDS, especially with early treatment. Over 1 million Americans have HIV but do not have AIDS.
What Causes Progression From HIV to AIDS?
Untreated HIV kills immune cells like CD4 T cells over time. Once levels become extremely low, the body can no longer fight off infections leading to AIDS diagnosis.
What Is Considered an AIDS Diagnosis?
AIDS is diagnosed when HIV has destroyed enough immune cells to cause a CD4 count under 200 cells/mL or certain HIV-related diseases are present.
How Are HIV and AIDS Treated Differently?
HIV is treated with ART medications. AIDS treatment involves preventing/treating opportunistic infections that can occur due to the weakened immune system.
Living with HIV
Understanding key facts enables people with HIV to live full, healthy lives.
How Does HIV Affect Life Expectancy?
HIV treatment allows those with access to achieve a near normal life expectancy. Without treatment, life expectancy is under 10 years.
Can You Work If You Have HIV?
HIV status cannot impact your ability to work. Workplace discrimination based on HIV is illegal. HIV alone or when managed does not affect job performance.
Can You Have Children If You Are HIV Positive?
Yes, people with HIV can have children, especially with access to treatment and prenatal care. Partners should use prevention methods to avoid transmission.
Is HIV Considered a Disability?
Yes, HIV is considered a disability by the ADA due to its substantial impact on major life activities. Those with HIV are protected from discrimination.
Understanding the key facts about HIV transmission, testing, symptoms, treatment, and prevention empowers both positive people and the general public to manage infection. People with HIV can live full, unhindered lives with proper care and treatment.
FAQs
Can you get HIV from kissing?
You cannot get HIV from closed-mouth kissing. There is an extremely low risk from French kissing if blood is exchanged.
What are the early symptoms of HIV?
Common early HIV symptoms include fever, swollen glands, sore throat, rash, headache, fatigue, and muscle aches. Symptoms tend to appear 2-4 weeks after exposure.
How long does it take for HIV to show up on a test?
Modern HIV tests can detect infection as early as 2-3 weeks after exposure. But results are most reliable after the 3 month mark when the body has produced HIV antibodies.
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
HIV is the virus that attacks the immune system. AIDS is the most severe phase that occurs when HIV has led to serious damage to the immune system.
Can HIV be cured?
There is currently no cure for HIV. But antiretroviral medications allow people with HIV to manage it as a chronic condition and live full healthy lives.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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