HIV
About
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It damages the body’s immune system, making it harder to fight infections if it is not treated. HIV is not the same as AIDS. AIDS is a late stage of HIV infection that can happen if HIV is untreated for a long time. Today, HIV can be managed very effectively with treatment. People who are diagnosed early and take HIV treatment as prescribed can live long, healthy lives. HIV treatment can reduce the amount of virus in the body to an undetectable level. When HIV is undetectable, it cannot be passed on through sex.
Symptoms
many people have no symptoms at first, flu-like illness, fever, sore throat, rash, swollen glands, tiredness, muscle aches, night sweats, weight loss, frequent infections
Transmission
HIV is spread when certain body fluids from a person with HIV get into another person’s bloodstream or come into contact with the lining inside the rectum, vagina, penis or mouth. The main body fluids that can pass on HIV are blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids and breast milk. HIV can be passed on through condomless vaginal or anal sex, sharing needles or other injecting equipment, from mother to baby during pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding, and through needlestick injuries in healthcare settings. HIV is not spread by hugging, kissing, sharing cups or cutlery, toilet seats, coughing, sneezing or insect bites.
Prevention
Use condoms for vaginal and anal sex, take PrEP if you are at risk of HIV, use PEP as soon as possible after a possible exposure, never share needles or injecting equipment, get tested regularly, start and stay on HIV treatment if diagnosed, and attend antenatal care in pregnancy to reduce the chance of passing HIV to a baby.
Treatment & Resources
Antiretroviral therapy (ART)
Antiretroviral therapy, usually called ART, is the treatment used for HIV. It does not cure HIV, but it can lower the amount of virus in the body to an undetectable level, protect the immune system, and allow people living with HIV to live long and healthy lives.
Find Supports near you
You can get tested across Ireland
Find resources and supports in your local community.