HIV and AIDS: testing, treatment and prevention

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 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.

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 Do not rely on one online timetable or an outdated test name; discuss the report and next test date with your team.

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.

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.