HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system, specifically the CD4 cells, which help fight off infections.
In this FAQ article, we aim to address some of the most common questions and concerns surrounding this condition, promoting awareness and destigmatizing HIV/AIDS within our community.
So, let’s start with one of the most commonly asked questions about HIV/AIDS.
What is HIV/AIDS?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system by targeting and destroying CD4 cells, which are crucial in fighting off infections and diseases. When left untreated, HIV can weaken the immune system to the point where it can no longer defend against opportunistic infections and certain cancers.
AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, diagnosed when a person’s CD4 count drops below a certain level or when they develop specific HIV-related illnesses.
While HIV and AIDS are often used interchangeably, it’s essential to understand the distinction. Not everyone with HIV progresses to AIDS, thanks to effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) that can suppress the virus and allow the immune system to recover and function properly.
However, without treatment, the continuous destruction of CD4 cells can eventually lead to AIDS, leaving the body vulnerable to life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers.
It’s crucial to undergo regular HIV testing and seek prompt medical care if diagnosed with HIV, as early initiation of ART can prevent the progression to AIDS and enable individuals to live long, healthy lives.
How can you identify someone living with HIV?
This is another of the most commonly asked questions about HIV/AIDS. It is impossible to identify someone living with HIV based solely on their appearance or outward characteristics.
HIV does not manifest any specific physical symptoms that can be visibly recognized. The only way to determine if someone is HIV-positive is through medical testing, such as an HIV antibody test or a viral load test.
People living with HIV come from all walks of life, backgrounds, and demographics. They may appear perfectly healthy, as HIV often does not exhibit any noticeable signs or symptoms, especially in the early stages of infection.
Some individuals may experience flu-like symptoms shortly after contracting the virus, but these symptoms can also be caused by many other illnesses.
It is essential to understand that HIV cannot be transmitted through casual contact, such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or drinks, or using the same facilities as someone living with HIV. The virus is primarily spread through unprotected sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.
Identifying or making assumptions about someone’s HIV status based on their appearance or stereotypes can perpetuate stigma and discrimination, which can discourage individuals from seeking testing, treatment, and support services.
The only way to know someone’s HIV status is if they choose to disclose it voluntarily or if they have been tested and received their results.
Can you contract HIV from oral sex?
Yes, it is possible to contract HIV from oral sex, although the risk is lower compared to other forms of sexual activity.
Here are some key points about the risk of HIV transmission through oral sex:
- Oral-Penile Contact: There is a potential risk of contracting HIV by performing oral sex on a partner who has HIV, as pre-cum and semen can contain HIV. However, the risk is considered low if there are no open sores or bleeding gums.
- Oral-Vaginal Contact: The risk of HIV transmission from performing oral sex on a woman with HIV is also considered low, but it increases if she is menstruating or if there are open sores or infections present.
- Oral-Anal Contact: Performing oral sex on a partner with HIV who has anal sex carries a higher risk of HIV transmission, as the anal region can have small tears or open sores that allow the virus to enter the body.
It’s important to note that while the risk is lower compared to other sexual activities, it is still present, and the only way to eliminate the risk entirely is to abstain from oral sex or use barrier methods like condoms or dental dams.
Can you get HIV from kissing?
No, you cannot get HIV from kissing someone who is HIV-positive, as long as there is no blood exposure.
HIV is primarily transmitted through specific bodily fluids, such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. The virus is not present in saliva or tears, so kissing someone with HIV does not put you at risk of contracting the virus.
However, there are a few exceptions where kissing could potentially transmit HIV, but the risk is extremely low:
- Open sores or bleeding gums: If both partners have open sores or bleeding gums in their mouths, and there is direct blood-to-blood contact during kissing, there is a theoretical risk of HIV transmission. However, this risk is considered negligible in the absence of other risk factors.
- Deep or “French” kissing: While highly unlikely, there is a minimal risk of HIV transmission if deep kissing leads to the direct mixing of blood from open sores or bleeding gums.
In general, kissing is considered a low-risk activity for HIV transmission, and the risk is effectively eliminated if there is no blood exposure.
It’s important to note that other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as herpes or syphilis, can be transmitted through kissing if open sores or lesions are present.
The most effective ways to prevent HIV transmission are practicing safer sex (using condoms and dental dams), never sharing needles or other injection equipment, and taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if at high risk of exposure.
Can HIV pass through a condom?
No, HIV cannot pass through an intact and properly used latex or polyurethane condom. Condoms, when used correctly and consistently, are highly effective in preventing the transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
However, it’s important to note that condoms can break, slip off, or leak if used incorrectly or if they are damaged or expired. In such cases, the risk of HIV transmission may increase.
Additionally, condoms do not provide complete protection against other STIs that can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact, such as herpes or human papillomavirus (HPV).
While condoms are highly effective in reducing the risk of HIV transmission, they should be used in combination with other prevention strategies, such as regular testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and open communication with sexual partners about HIV status and risk factors
What is the HIV testing window period?
The HIV testing window period refers to the time between potential exposure to HIV and when an HIV test can reliably detect the presence of HIV antibodies or antigens in the body.
After initial exposure to HIV, there is a period during which the virus may not be detectable by standard HIV tests. This is because it takes time for the body to produce enough antibodies or viral proteins (antigens) for the tests to detect.
The window period for different types of HIV tests can vary:
- Antibody Tests
The window period for antibody tests is typically 3 to 12 weeks after exposure - Antigen/Antibody (Ag/Ab) Tests
The window period for Ag/Ab tests is shorter, usually between 2 to 6 weeks after exposure. - Nucleic Acid Tests (NAT)
These tests have the shortest window period, typically between 1 to 4 weeks after exposure.
It’s crucial to understand the window period because a negative test result during this time does not necessarily mean an individual is HIV-negative.
If someone has had a potential exposure, they should get tested again after the full window period has passed to confirm their HIV status accurately.
Healthcare providers often recommend getting tested at 3 months after potential exposure, as this accounts for the window period of most HIV tests and provides a reliable result.
What are the early signs of HIV?
The early signs and symptoms of HIV infection can vary from person to person, and some individuals may not experience any noticeable symptoms at all.
However, it’s essential to be aware of the potential early signs, as they can help in getting tested and seeking prompt treatment if necessary.
Here are some common early signs and symptoms of HIV infection:
- Flu-like symptoms: Many people with HIV experience flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection. These symptoms may include fever, sore throat, fatigue, body aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
- Skin rash: Some individuals may develop a red, flat, or raised rash on their skin, which can be a sign of an acute HIV infection.
- Headache: Persistent or severe headaches can be an early symptom of HIV, especially when accompanied by other signs.
- Sore throat and mouth ulcers: HIV can cause sore throat, painful mouth sores, or ulcers in the mouth or throat due to a weakened immune system.
- Muscle and joint pain: Unexplained muscle aches and joint pain can be an early sign of HIV infection.
- Night sweats: Some people with HIV may experience excessive night sweats, even when the room temperature is comfortable.
- Fatigue and weakness: Feeling constantly tired, weak, or experiencing a lack of energy can be an early symptom of HIV.
- Swollen lymph nodes: Lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin may become swollen due to the body’s immune response to the HIV infection.
If you have experienced any of these symptoms, especially after a potential exposure to HIV, it’s crucial to seek medical attention and get tested as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment of HIV can significantly improve health outcomes and prevent further transmission.
How long can HIV survive outside the body?
This is also one of the commonly asked questions about HIV/AIDS. HIV does not survive well outside the human body and cannot reproduce or replicate outside of human cells. However, it can remain infectious for a short period under certain conditions.
When exposed to air, HIV can only survive for a few minutes to a few hours. In bodily fluids like blood, semen, and vaginal fluids, the virus can potentially remain infectious for several days at room temperature, but its viability decreases over time.
On surfaces, HIV may remain infectious for a few hours to a few days, depending on factors like the type of surface and temperature. Used needles or syringes can harbor infectious HIV for up to 42 days.
It’s important to note that the risk of HIV transmission from exposure to dried or old fluids or surfaces is extremely low, as the virus requires direct entry into the bloodstream or mucous membranes to cause infection.
The primary routes of transmission are unprotected sexual contact, sharing contaminated needles/syringes, and mother-to-child during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
While HIV does not survive well outside the body, proper precautions should still be taken when handling bodily fluids to minimize any potential risk.
How do you know if you have HIV/AIDS?
You can only know for certain if you have HIV or AIDS through medical testing. There is no way to tell based on symptoms alone.
The only way to determine if you have HIV is to get tested using methods like antibody tests, antigen/antibody tests, or nucleic acid tests that look for the presence of HIV antibodies, antigens, or the virus itself in blood or oral fluid samples.
It’s crucial to understand the testing window period, which is the time it takes for these tests to accurately detect HIV after exposure.
What does it mean to be undetectable?
Being “undetectable” when referring to HIV means that the level of the virus in a person’s blood is so low that it cannot be detected by standard viral load tests.p
More specifically, it means that the amount of HIV RNA (the genetic material of the virus) in the bloodstream has dropped to an extremely low or “undetectable” level, usually defined as less than 20-200 copies per milliliter of blood, depending on the viral load test used.
This undetectable status is achieved through consistent and effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), which suppresses the replication of the virus in the body. When a person living with HIV maintains an undetectable viral load for at least six months while adhering to their ART regimen, they are considered to have achieved viral suppression.
Being undetectable does not mean that the HIV has been cured or eliminated from the body, but it does have significant benefits. Maintaining an undetectable viral load allows the immune system to recover and function properly, reducing the risk of HIV-related illnesses and complications.
Also, when a person with HIV is undetectable, they cannot transmit the virus to others through sexual contact. This is often referred to as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U).
However, an undetectable viral load can become detectable again if a person stops taking their ART medications consistently. Regular monitoring and adherence to treatment are crucial for maintaining an undetectable status and preventing the development of drug resistance.
How long does it take HIV to become undetectable?
The time it takes for HIV to become undetectable after starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) typically ranges from 3 to 6 months of consistent treatment and adherence to medication.
However, this can vary depending on factors like the individual’s initial viral load level, the specific medications prescribed, adherence to the regimen, presence of drug resistance, and overall health.
Most people experience a significant drop in viral load within the first 4-8 weeks of ART, but sustained viral suppression (undetectable levels) is usually achieved within 3-6 months.
Regular monitoring through viral load tests is crucial to track treatment progress and ensure the virus remains suppressed over time. Maintaining an undetectable viral load is essential for improving health outcomes and preventing HIV transmission.
Can HIV be undetectable without medicine?
No, HIV cannot become undetectable or achieve viral suppression without taking antiretroviral medication (ART). ART is the only way to effectively reduce the amount of HIV in the body to undetectable levels.
For the vast majority of people living with HIV, the virus will continue to replicate and progress without ART, leading to a weakened immune system and the development of AIDS over time. Antiretroviral drugs are necessary to suppress the virus and prevent this progression.
Even in cases where HIV may appear to be undetectable shortly after initial infection, the virus will eventually rebound and become detectable again without treatment.
Consistently taking ART as directed by your healthcare provide is the only way to effectively suppress the virus to undetectable levels over the long term.
While lifestyle factors like a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management can support overall health for people living with HIV, they cannot substitute for ART or lead to an undetectable viral load on their own.
Antiretroviral medication is currently the only way to achieve and sustain viral suppression, which is crucial for improving health outcomes and preventing HIV transmission.
Final Words
While there is still no cure for HIV, significant advancements have been made in HIV treatment and prevention over the past few decades.
With proper medical care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV can achieve an undetectable viral load, effectively preventing further transmission of the virus and enabling them to live long, healthy lives
At C.W. Williams Community Health Center Inc., our healthcare team is committed to providing comprehensive education, counseling, testing, and treatment services to support individuals affected by HIV/AIDS.
If you would like to schedule an HIV test or meet with a healthcare professional, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
