Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an infection that affects the body’s immune system. The most advanced stage of HIV infection is acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
HIV affects the white cells in the blood, which leads to a weakened immune system. This increases the likelihood of developing diseases such as tuberculosis, infectious diseases, and some types of cancer.
HIV is transmitted through various body fluids of infected people, including blood, breast milk, seminal fluid, and vaginal secretions. Transmission does not occur through kissing, hugging, or sharing food. HIV can also be passed from mother to child.
HIV infection is treatable and preventable with antiretroviral therapy (ART). If untreated, HIV infection can progress to AIDS, often many years after infection.
HIV infection is a preventable disease.
The risk of HIV infection can be reduced by:
- using male or female condoms during sex;
- getting tested for HIV and sexually transmitted infections;
- having voluntary medical male circumcision;
- Participating in harm reduction programs for injecting drug users.
To prevent HIV infection, physicians can provide guidance on the use of medications and medical devices such as:
- antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), including oral DAAs and long-acting drugs;
- vaginal rings with dapivirine;
- long-acting injectable cabotegravir.
ARVs can also be used to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
People on antiretroviral therapy (ART) who have no evidence of the virus in their blood do not transmit HIV to their sexual partners. Ensuring access to testing and ART is an important part of HIV prevention.