Also known as human immunodeficiency virus, HIV/AIDS
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) attacks the immune system which makes it difficult for the body to fight infections. HIV can be passed on through the bodily fluids (such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid and anal fluid) of a person who has HIV with a detectable viral load, usually by having sex without a condom or sharing injecting equipment.
Quick facts
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HIV is not the same as AIDS. If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS. However, with current, highly effective HIV treatments available, AIDS is now extremely uncommon in Australia.
You can become infected with HIV if you have sex without a condom or share injecting drug equipment with someone who has tested positive for HIV.
HIV can be passed on by:
HIV is rarely passed on by:
HIV has never been reported as being passed on by:
Not everyone shows symptoms when they become infected with HIV. Many of the symptoms are similar to other illnesses, so it can be quite difficult to know that you have become HIV positive.
Symptoms can include:
If you think you may have been exposed to HIV and you have one or more of the symptoms, see your doctor. These symptoms usually occur between one and three weeks after exposure to HIV.
A blood test can tell if you have been infected with HIV.
This test - called a HIV antibody test - detects whether your body has produced any antibodies to fight the infection.
There is a short period of time between exposure to HIV and the ability for tests to detect HIV or its antibodies. This is called the window period and is generally six weeks after infection. In some cases, the window period can be between 2 and 12 weeks after infection.
A negative HIV test result means that you have either:
In cases where your body has not yet produced antibodies, you are most likely in the window period and you can be tested again in a few weeks' time.
A positive HIV test result means that HIV antibodies have been detected and you have been infected with HIV.
A positive result can make you feel stressed, shocked, angry, anxious and depressed. To help you manage your stress, all health services who provide HIV testing offer you counselling, before and after testing.
People can live well with HIV in Australia. We have access to very effective HIV treatments, which dramatically improve quality and length of life for people living with HIV. We also have many different support services available for people living with HIV.
Occasionally, a result is neither positive nor negative. This is called an inconclusive HIV test result.
Everyone who receives an inconclusive test result is tested again. At your test result review appointment, your doctor or nurse will arrange for the repeat test.
For people with a recent high-risk exposure, the inconclusive test result often means they are in the window period of the infection. A repeat test in a few weeks' time will provide a negative or positive result.
For people with low HIV risk, the inconclusive test result is often a false positive. Factors such as pregnancy, blood transfusions, viral infections or autoimmune diseases can be a factor in inconclusive test results.
HIV treatments are medications which prevent the virus from multiplying (making copies of itself). This reduces the amount of virus in a person’s body. The treatment is referred to as antiretroviral treatment.
Antiretroviral treatment has transformed HIV into a chronic, manageable condition, like diabetes or high blood pressure. The treatment supports people with the virus to live long and healthy lives.
Treatment can reduce the amount of virus in a person’s body to such low levels that it is undetectable, which means the person cannot transmit HIV to others.
Beginning treatment as soon as possible after your HIV positive diagnosis makes the treatment more effective, protects your health and wellbeing, and helps you reach undetectable virus levels sooner.
Bear in mind:
If left untreated, HIV can lead to AIDS.
However, with current, highly effective HIV treatments available, AIDS is now extremely uncommon in Australia.
There is no cure for HIV yet, but daily antiretroviral treatment effectively manages the virus.
There are many ways to protect yourself from HIV. You need to find the right prevention method - or combination of methods - which work for you and your sexual partners.
Using condoms is one of the easiest and best ways to prevent HIV infection.
Condoms are easily and widely available from pharmacies, supermarkets and sexual health or family planning clinics. They also have the added benefit of preventing other STIs.
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a once-daily medication for people who do not have HIV, to reduce their risk of becoming infected with HIV.
Find out more about PrEP and where you can get PrEP.
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is another way to use anti-HIV medication to prevent HIV. It is taken after a known or suspected exposure to HIV. PEP is taken for 28 days and must be started within 72 hours of exposure to HIV.
Find out more about PEP and where you can get PEP.
Regular testing for HIV and other STIs can help find infections earlier. This means you get the infections treated sooner and can prevent the infections from being transmitted to others.
Find out where you can be tested.
If you have HIV, you can protect your partners by taking your antiretroviral treatment medication every day.
Treatment can reduce the amount of virus in a person’s body to such low levels that it is undetectable, which means the person cannot transmit HIV to others.
Disclaimer
This fact sheet provides general sexual health information and is not intended to replace the need for a consultation with your doctor.
If you have concerns about your health, you should seek advice from your doctor.
If you require urgent care, you should go to your nearest Emergency Department or call 000.