HIV/AIDS

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus.

HIV affects the immune system. If it is not treated, it can slowly weaken the immune system and make it harder for the body to fight infections and some cancers.

AIDS is the name for advanced HIV when the immune system has become very weak. Most people who are diagnosed and treated early do not develop AIDS.

HIV can be passed on through:

• Condomless vaginal or anal sex
• Sharing needles or injecting equipment
• Blood-to-blood contact
• Pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding, if the person has untreated HIV.

HIV is not passed on through everyday contact such as hugging, touching, sharing food or drinks, sharing toilets, coughing, sneezing, sweat or tears.

Oral sex has a much lower risk than vaginal or anal sex, but the risk may be higher if there is blood, mouth ulcers, genital sores or another STI.

Many people with HIV have no symptoms for years.

Some people get a flu-like illness for around 3 to 6 weeks after HIV exposure. Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Rash
• Swollen glands
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Muscle or joint aches
• Tiredness.

These symptoms can be caused by many common illnesses, so symptoms alone cannot tell you whether you have HIV.

If HIV is not diagnosed and treated, later symptoms may include weight loss, ongoing diarrhoea, night sweats, mouth thrush, shingles, repeated infections or feeling generally unwell.

HIV is a serious infection, but now very treatable.

With early diagnosis and effective treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives.

Treatment can reduce the amount of HIV in the blood to an undetectable level. When someone has been taking treatment and has an undetectable viral load, they do not pass HIV on through sex. This is known as U=U, which means undetectable equals untransmissable.

HIV treatment controls the virus, but it does not cure it. Treatment is usually lifelong.

HIV is diagnosed with a blood test.

HIV testing can be done through a sexual health clinic, GP, hauora provider, some community testing services, or home testing services.

If you are testing after a specific recent sexual contact, a laboratory HIV test is usually recommended from 6 weeks after the contact. Some rapid or point-of-care tests may not be reliable until 3 months after exposure.

You should get tested sooner if you have symptoms that could be HIV, if a partner has told you they have HIV, or if you think you may need PEP.

If you have had a possible HIV exposure in the last 72 hours, seek urgent medical advice about PEP.

HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy, usually called ART.

ART reduces the amount of HIV in the body, protects the immune system, and prevents HIV from being passed on sexually once the viral load is undetectable.

Most modern HIV treatment is simple, effective and well tolerated. Many people take one or a small number of tablets each day.

People diagnosed with HIV are referred to specialist HIV services, usually through sexual health or infectious diseases. The specialist team will arrange further tests, start treatment, and provide ongoing support.

HIV can be prevented.

Ways to reduce the risk include:

• Using condoms for vaginal or anal sex
• Using PrEP if you have a higher chance of HIV exposure
• Using PEP after a possible HIV exposure
• Not sharing needles or injecting equipment
• Regular HIV and STI testing
• Starting HIV treatment early if diagnosed.

PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is medication taken before sex to reduce the chance of getting HIV. When taken correctly, PrEP is highly effective.

PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis. It is emergency medication taken after a possible HIV exposure. PEP needs to be started as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours, and no later than 72 hours after exposure. It is taken for 28 days.

PrEP and PEP help prevent HIV, but they do not prevent other STIs.

If you are diagnosed with HIV, specialist services will talk with you about partner notification and support.

This means helping identify people who may need HIV testing, while protecting your privacy as much as possible.

You do not have to manage this alone. Sexual health services can help with whatto say, who needs to be contacted, and how to do this safely.