HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. If untreated, it can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome), the most advanced stage of the infection. The virus is transmitted through specific bodily fluids during unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child
HIV vs. AIDS
- HIV: This is the virus itself. It targets essential white blood cells (CD4 cells) that help your body fight off diseases and infections.
- AIDS: This is not a separate virus, but a diagnosis given to people with HIV who have severely damaged immune systems, making them highly vulnerable to "opportunistic infections". With early diagnosis and treatment, most people living with HIV never develop AIDS.
- Transmission and Prevention
HIV is spread primarily through contact with infected blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. It cannot be spread through casual contact, saliva, sweat, or tears. You can prevent transmission by practicing safe sex (using condoms), avoiding sharing needles, and accessing preventative medications like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) or PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis if exposed).
Testing and Treatment
The only way to know your status is through an HIV test. HIV is treated with Antiretroviral Therapy (ART). ART medications are highly effective at stopping the virus from replicating, allowing the immune system to recover. When taken consistently, treatment can reduce the viral load to undetectable levels, which also means HIV cannot be transmitted to sexual partners (an initiative known as Undetectable
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