HIV: Frequently Asked Questions

HIV Basics and Definition

What is HIV?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks vital cells in your body that protect you from infections, making your immune system weaker. It’s called a retrovirus since it works backward to insert its code into your DNA. Without treatment, HIV can eventually lead to Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

What causes HIV?

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus itself causes HIV. You can get it when the virus enters your body through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, or breast milk. It usually spreads through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child during birth or breastfeeding.

Are HIV and AIDS the same?

No, HIV and AIDS aren’t the same. HIV is a virus attacking your immune system, whereas AIDS is the advanced stage of infection when your immune system is severely weakened. With early testing and proper treatment, you can prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS.

HIV transmission

How is HIV transmitted? Is it contagious?

HIV is contagious only through specific routes, not casual contact. It spreads when body fluids from an HIV-positive person with a detectable viral load enter your bloodstream via sex, shared needles, open wounds, mucous membranes, or from mother to child during birth or breastfeeding.

Can I get HIV from oral sex?

Yes, but the risk is much lower compared to vaginal or anal sex. HIV can spread through oral sex if infected fluids enter your mouth, especially if you have cuts, sores, or gum disease. Using protections like condoms or dental dams significantly reduces the risk.

How long does HIV live outside the body?

HIV doesn’t survive long outside your body. Once it’s exposed to air, the virus becomes inactive within minutes. It can’t reproduce or spread on surfaces you touch, like doorknobs, toilet seats, or dishes. In short, HIV is very fragile and can’t live long outside your body.

HIV symptoms and signs

What’s usually the earliest sign of HIV infection?

The first or earliest sign of HIV often looks like the flu. You may notice fever, sore throat, tiredness, swollen glands, or body aches within 2–4 weeks after infection. Since these symptoms are common to many illnesses, getting tested is the only way to know.

What are the symptoms of HIV?

HIV symptoms can differ depending on the stage. Early signs may include fever, fatigue, sore throat, swollen glands, and body aches. You might experience weight loss, persistent infections, night sweats, or skin rashes as the infection progresses. Regular testing is the only way to know for sure.

How do I identify a rash from HIV?

An HIV rash generally appears as red or purple spots on the skin, often itchy and sometimes flat or raised. It commonly shows up on the chest, face, or upper body during early infection. Since rashes can have many causes, getting tested is the only way to confirm HIV.

HIV testing and detection

How soon will a blood test detect HIV?

A blood test can usually detect HIV within 18 to 45 days after exposure, depending on the type of test. If you get a Nucleic Acid Test (NAT), it may detect HIV as early as 10 to 33 days. Antigen/antibody tests generally take a bit longer, so the timing matters when you get tested.

What diseases can cause a false-positive HIV test?

Some conditions can trigger a false-positive HIV result. These include autoimmune diseases, like Lupus, certain viral infections, such as Hepatitis and Influenza, recent vaccinations, and pregnancy. While false positives are rare, any positive HIV test should be confirmed with a follow-up for accurate diagnosis.

HIV treatment and prevention

How can I protect myself from HIV during sex?

You can lower the HIV risk by using condoms consistently and correctly, limiting the number of your sexual partners, and ensuring your partner’s HIV status is known. Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that also helps prevent HIV.

How to stay HIV negative with a positive partner?

You can stay HIV negative by practicing safe sex with condoms, taking Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and ensuring your partner is on effective Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) with an undetectable viral load. Regular testing, open communication, and avoiding sharing needles can also help protect you.

Is there a vaccine for HIV?

No, there is no approved vaccine to prevent HIV. Researchers are working on several experimental vaccines, but none are widely available yet. The best ways to prevent HIV remain practicing safe sex, using condoms, taking PrEP, and avoiding sharing needles.

How long can I live with HIV?

If you have HIV, you can live a long, healthy life. By getting diagnosed early, taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) consistently, attending regular medical checkups, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can keep the virus under control and enjoy a near-normal lifespan.

Common misconceptions about HIV

How long does it take Trichomoniasis to turn into HIV?

Trichomoniasis itself does not turn into HIV. If you have Trichomoniasis or any other Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), it can increase your risk of getting HIV if exposed, because STIs can cause inflammation or sores that make it easier for the virus to enter your body.

Can Chlamydia turn into HIV?

No, Chlamydia doesn’t turn into HIV. But if you have Chlamydia or any other STI, your risk of getting HIV is higher. STIs can create inflammation or sores, which make it easier for HIV to enter your body when exposed to the virus.