HIV and AIDS: testing, treatment and prevention
Living with HIV is not the same as having AIDS. After a recent possible exposure, do not wait for a test date; seek immediate assessment for post-exposure prevention.
After a recent possible exposure
After unprotected exposure, a broken condom or shared needle use, seek emergency or infectious-disease care immediately. If indicated, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) must start within 72 hours; earlier is better, so do not wait for the deadline. Seek testing and follow-up even if more time has passed. A clinician decides whether PEP is appropriate; do not delay seeking care while waiting for symptoms or a test result.
HIV and AIDS are different
HIV is the virus affecting the immune system; AIDS describes advanced infection with defined illnesses or immune damage. A positive HIV result does not automatically mean AIDS. Effective treatment can control the virus and allow a long, healthy life. Flu-like symptoms or their absence cannot diagnose infection; appropriate testing is needed.
Understanding test results
No HIV test rules out infection immediately after exposure; the interval before detection is the window period. Test type, exposure timing and preventive medication affect follow-up. An early negative may need repeat testing, while a reactive or positive screen needs appropriate confirmation. Do not rely on one online timetable or an outdated test name; discuss the report and next test date with your team.
Everyday life and prevention
- HIV is not transmitted by shaking hands, hugging or sharing toilets or everyday eating utensils. Appearance does not reveal HIV status; exclusion is not prevention.
- Condom use and not sharing needles or syringes are prevention measures. For ongoing exposure risk, discuss pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) with a clinician; PEP is not a routine substitute.
- For pregnancy planning, pregnancy or breastfeeding, arrange specific care with infection and maternity/paediatric teams. Information about sexual transmission is not the same assurance for every route of transmission to a baby.
Treatment and an undetectable viral load
Antiretroviral treatment suppresses replication; routinely used treatment does not eradicate HIV. A person who achieves and maintains an undetectable viral load on treatment does not transmit HIV through sex. This is established through treatment adherence and laboratory follow-up; it does not mean being HIV negative. Do not stop treatment yourself; discuss side effects, interactions, privacy and support needs.
When should you seek help without delay?
Do not delay PEP assessment after a new possible exposure. Report new, severe or rapidly worsening symptoms during treatment; call 112 for severe breathlessness, altered awareness or fainting. Share test and diagnosis information in a secure clinical consultation rather than a general contact form. This page does not confirm specific medicine or test availability or costs at Nev.
Information sources
These sources support general information; they do not confirm our hospital’s services or clinical approval.
This information is general and does not replace individual diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your own situation with your healthcare team.
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