About HIV

Key Points

• HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system.
• The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.
• There are many ways to prevent HIV, like taking HIV prevention medicines, using condoms and never sharing needles.
• HIV treatment helps people live long, healthy lives and prevents HIV transmission.

Overview

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.

How it spreads

You can only get HIV by coming into direct contact with certain body fluids from a person living with HIV who has a detectable viral load. These fluids are:

• blood
• semen (cum)
• pre-seminal fluid (pre-cum)
• rectal fluids (liquid from butt/anus)
• vaginal fluids
• breast milk

HIV is spread when HIV in these bodily fluids enters the bloodstream of an HIV-negative person. Fluids can enter a few different ways: through a mucous membrane (found in the rectum, vagina, mouth or tip of the penis), through open cuts or sores or by direct injection (from a needle or syringe).

Factors like a person's viral load and other sexually transmitted infections can increase the chances of getting HIV or passing it to someone else. 

Learn more about how HIV spreads

Testing

The only way to know your HIV status is to get tested. Knowing your status gives you powerful information to keep you and your partners healthy.

Prevention

There are more tools than ever are available to prevent HIV. The power of prevention is in your hands!

Treatment

HIV treatment (antiretroviral therapy or ART) involves taking medicine as prescribed by a health care provider. You should start HIV treatment as soon as possible after diagnosis.

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