Overview
HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Without treatment, it can weaken the body’s ability to fight infections and lead to AIDS. Prevention focuses on reducing exposure to the virus and using tools that lower transmission risk. Many effective prevention options are available, and combining methods can give stronger protection.
Causes and Risk Factors
HIV spreads through certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk. Common routes include sex without a condom, sharing needles or other injection equipment, and transmission during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. Risk can be higher for people with a sexual partner who has HIV and is not on effective treatment, people with multiple sexual partners, and people who inject drugs using shared equipment. Having another sexually transmitted infection can also increase the chance of HIV transmission.
Who Is Affected
Anyone can get HIV, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, or where they live. Some groups may face higher exposure risk because of social, economic, or healthcare barriers, including limited access to condoms, testing, sterile equipment, or prevention medicines. Stigma and discrimination can also make prevention and care harder to access. HIV prevention information is important for sexually active people, people who inject drugs, pregnant people, and healthcare workers with possible blood exposure.
Prevention
Using condoms correctly every time during vaginal or anal sex can lower HIV risk, and they also help reduce the spread of some other sexually transmitted infections. PrEP is a preventive medicine option for some people at ongoing risk of HIV, and PEP may help after a possible exposure if started quickly through urgent medical care. Regular HIV testing helps people make informed decisions and access treatment or prevention tools. Not sharing needles, syringes, or other injection equipment is important, and pregnant people with HIV can get medical care to greatly reduce the chance of passing HIV to their baby. If a person with HIV takes treatment as prescribed and reaches an undetectable viral load, they do not sexually transmit HIV.
Diagnosis and Tests
HIV prevention often includes regular testing, especially after possible exposure or if a person has ongoing risk. HIV can be diagnosed with blood or oral fluid tests, depending on the type of test used. A healthcare professional can explain when to test, since there can be a window period before a test becomes positive. Testing for other sexually transmitted infections may also be recommended.
Treatment Categories
Medicines can be used in HIV prevention as well as HIV treatment. PrEP is taken before possible exposure for prevention in some people, while PEP is used after a possible exposure and requires urgent assessment. For people living with HIV, antiretroviral treatment controls the virus and protects health; effective treatment also prevents sexual transmission when viral load remains undetectable. A healthcare professional can explain which option fits a person’s situation.
Living With It
HIV prevention can be part of everyday health planning rather than something done only after a scare. Open conversations with partners about testing, condoms, and prevention options can help reduce risk. People living with HIV can protect their health and others by staying engaged in care and taking treatment as prescribed. Support from clinics, community groups, and trusted health services can make prevention and care easier to maintain.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care soon if you may have been exposed to HIV through sex, shared needles, or contact with blood. Urgent assessment is especially important after a recent possible exposure because PEP must be started quickly. Also seek care if you want HIV testing, think you may benefit from PrEP, are pregnant and concerned about HIV, or have symptoms of a sexually transmitted infection. If sexual assault has occurred, get urgent medical care and support services as soon as possible.
Questions to Ask a Healthcare Professional
You may want to ask: What prevention methods fit my situation? When should I get tested for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections? Would PrEP or PEP be appropriate for me? How can I access condoms, sterile injection equipment, pregnancy-related HIV prevention services, or support after a possible exposure?