HIV Archives - International Gay Guide

HIV

HIV/AIDS

Also called: human immunodeficiency virus, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

HIV causes AIDS and interferes with the body’s ability to fight infections.

The virus can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen or vaginal fluids.

Within a few weeks of HIV infection, flu-like symptoms such as fever, sore throat and fatigue can occur. Then the disease is usually asymptomatic until it progresses to AIDS. AIDS symptoms include weight loss, fever or night sweats, fatigue and recurrent infections.

No cure exists for AIDS, but strict adherence to antiretroviral regimens (ARVs) can dramatically slow the disease’s progress as well as prevent secondary infections and complications.

Spreads by sexual contact

Treatment can help, but this condition can’t be cured

Chronic: can last for years or be lifelong

Requires a medical diagnosis

Lab tests or imaging always required

HIV Prevention

Living with HIV – Undetectable = Safe

13/02/202105/03/2021 LGBT International Anal-sex, Gay-safe-sex, HIV

Being HIV positive and undetectable, also known as having an undetectable viral load (UVL), is a big deal. Why? Because people living with HIV who manage this over time have effectively no risk of sexually transmitting the virus! And that means Undetectable = Safe