HIV Basics

What Is HIV?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. HIV is not the same as AIDS, but can eventually cause AIDS down the line. 

The virus can be passed through certain body fluids:

• Blood
• Cum and pre-cum
• Anal fluid
• Vaginal fluid
• Breast milk

You can’t get HIV from kissing, hugging, sharing food or drinks, or using the same toilet. You also can’t get HIV from having sex with an HIV positive person who has an undetectable viral load (more on that later!)

Once inside the body, HIV attacks the immune system. If it isn’t treated, it can make it harder for your body to fight off other infections.

Acute HIV

Right after HIV takes hold in the body — usually within 2 to 4 weeks — is the first stage or acute HIV. This is the time when the virus is spreading quickly in the body, and someone is extra infectious, even if they don’t know they have it.

Some people get flu-like symptoms: fever, sore throat, tiredness, rash, or swollen glands. But many people don’t feel sick at all. That’s why testing regularly is so important. You can’t always tell if someone has HIV (or if you do).

What Happens If HIV Isn’t Treated?

Without treatment, HIV doesn’t go away. Over time, it weakens the immune system more and more. This second stage is sometimes called chronic HIV. People might still feel fine for years, but the virus is working behind the scenes.

If HIV is left untreated long enough, it can lead to AIDS — that’s when the immune system is seriously damaged. At this point it’s easy to become very sick or die from other infections. But here’s the key thing: AIDS can be prevented even if you are HIV positive.

Treatment Works

HIV treatment today is simple, effective, and life-saving. With the right meds, people with HIV can stay healthy for life and stop HIV from progressing.

Treatment usually means taking one or two pills a day. For some people, longer-acting injection medications are also an option.

When someone living with HIV takes their meds every day, the amount of virus in their blood gets so low that it can’t be found on a test. This is called an undetectable viral load, and it means two things: this virus won’t harm their body, and it can’t be passed to sexual partners. This is known as U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable. It’s a big deal, and it’s backed by strong science.

Getting Tested for HIV

The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. Testing is quick, easy, and often free. Some clinics even offer rapid tests with results in minutes.

How often should you get tested? Common guidelines suggest:

• At least once a year
• Every 3 months if you’re having sex with multiple partners or not using condoms
• After a possible exposure

HIV testing is just part of taking care of yourself, like getting a dental checkup or eye exam.

Common Questions About HIV

Is HIV a death sentence?

No! It hasn’t been for a long time! With treatment, people with HIV live long, healthy lives.

Can you get HIV from oral sex?

It is possible, but the risk is much lower than with anal or vaginal/frontal sex.

If someone’s undetectable, is sex without condoms totally safe?

Undetectable means they can’t pass on HIV, but condoms can still help protect against other STIs. It’s your call.

Can I date or have sex with someone who has HIV?

Absolutely! Some people choose to only hook up with others that have the same HIV status as them. But people with HIV who are undetectable can’t pass it on, and relationships can be healthy, fun, and sexy. And you can protect yourself by using condoms or taking PrEP.