What is HIV?

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. HIV targets the immune system, specifically CD4 cells (T cells). As a result, it weakens body's defense system against infections and some kinds of cancer. If left untreated, the virus can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) - the most advanced stage of HIV. It can take from 2 to 15 years for AIDS to develop. 

Transmission

HIV can be transmitted through the exchange of a variety of body fluids from infected people, such as blood, sperm and vaginal secretions. Besides, HIV can be transmitted from a mother to a child during pregnancy and delivery. Individuals cannot become infected through casual and social day-to-day contact such as hugging, kissing, shaking hands, or sharing personal objects, food, water or public toilets.

Risk factors:

- Unprotected vaginal/anal/oral sex;

- Using contaminated syringes, needles or other injecting tools;

- Medical/dental/beauty procedures that include unsterile cutting or piercing; 

- Having another sexually transmitted infection (STI) for example Chlamydia. 

Symptoms and signs

Within 2 to 4 weeks after infection with HIV, people may experience a flu-like illness. These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. But some people do not have any symptoms at all during this early stage of HIV. Not everyone will have the same symptoms. It depends on the person and what stage of the disease they are in.

Testing

You can’t rely on symptoms to tell whether you have HIV. Knowing your HIV status gives you powerful information so you can take steps to keep yourself and your partner(s) healthy. The window period is time between HIV infection and the point when the test will give an accurate result. During the window period a person can have HIV and be very infectious but still test HIV negative. The window period for a 4th generation antigen/antibody test is about 4-6 weeks. Window period depends on a specific type of test. Before getting tested, consult with your doctor concerning the window period. 

Treatment

There is NO cure when it comes to HIV. However, with medical care, HIV can be put under control. Treatment for HIV is called antiretroviral therapy - ART. If HIV positive people take ART as prescribed, their viral load (amount of HIV in their blood) can become undetectable. Being undetectable meants that they can live long, healthy lives and have effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to an HIV-negative partner through sex.

If you are exposed to the risk factors of HIV, it is recommended to get tested. Being HIV positive is not a taboo anymore. With proper treatment, people with HIV live as long as healthy individuals. The earlier you are diagnosed, the more effectibe the outcome of treatment is.