what is hiv?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that messes with your immune system, specifically the CD4 cells (T cells), which are vital for fighting infections. If not treated, HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is serious stuff.

TRANSMISSION

Q: How is HIV transmitted?
A: HIV mainly spreads through contact with certain body fluids from someone who’s got it. We’re talking blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. The usual ways HIV gets around are unprotected sex and sharing needles or syringes.

Q: Can HIV be transmitted through casual contact?
A: Nope, HIV doesn’t spread through casual stuff like hugging, shaking hands, or sharing utensils. It can’t spread through saliva, sweat, or tears either.

Q: Can I get HIV from kissing?

A: HIV doesn’t spread through spit, so the risk from kissing is super low. But if both of you have open sores or bleeding gums, there’s a tiny, rare chance.

Q: Can I get HIV from a mosquito bite?
A: Nah, HIV can’t be passed through mosquito bites or any other bug bites

prevention

Q: What are the most effective ways to prevent HIV?
A: The best ways to dodge HIV include using condoms every time you have sex, taking PrEP if you’re high-risk, never sharing needles, and getting regular HIV tests.

Q: What is PrEP and how does it work?
A: PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a daily pill that cuts down the risk of getting HIV for people who are high-risk. Take it consistently, and it’s super effective at keeping HIV at bay. Read more about PrEP here

Q: Is there a vaccine for HIV?
A: Right now, there’s no vaccine for HIV. Scientists are working on it, but it’s still in the experimental phase.

Q: Can a pregnant woman with HIV prevent passing it to her baby?
A: Yep, if a pregnant woman with HIV takes her medications as prescribed during pregnancy and childbirth and doesn’t breastfeed, the risk of passing HIV to her baby drops to less than 1%.

treatment

Q: What is ART and how does it work?
A: ART (antiretroviral therapy) is the treatment for HIV. It’s a mix of meds you take every day to keep the virus in check. ART lowers the virus in your blood to undetectable levels, helping you live longer and healthier while also reducing the risk of passing it to others.

Q: Can HIV be cured?
A: Right now, there’s no cure for HIV. But with proper care and taking your meds as prescribed, you can control it. People on ART can get their viral load so low it’s undetectable, meaning they can’t pass HIV through sex.

Q: What should I do if I think I’ve been exposed to HIV?
A: If you think you’ve been exposed to HIV, get medical help ASAP. You might be given PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), which can help prevent infection if you start it within 72 hours of exposure.

Q: What are the side effects of HIV medications?
A: HIV meds can have side effects, which vary depending on the person and the specific medication. Common ones include nausea, fatigue, and diarrhea. Most side effects are manageable and often decrease over time. Talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience.

Q: How often should I get tested for HIV?
A: The Ministry of Health of Uganda says everyone between should get tested for HIV at least once. People at higher risk—like those with multiple partners, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs—should get tested more often, at least once a year.

Q: Can people with HIV have relationships with HIV-negative partners?
A: Yes, people with HIV can have healthy relationships with HIV-negative partners. By taking ART consistently and keeping their viral load undetectable, the risk of transmitting HIV to their partner is effectively zero (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable). Plus, the HIV-negative partner can take PrEP to further reduce their risk.