Frequently asked questions

Hugging, holding hands, sharing everyday objects, and closed-mouth kissing do not transmit HIV. HIV is not spread through ordinary contact or saliva. Deep kissing carries extremely low risk and would require unusual circumstances, such as both people having open sores or bleeding gums and blood being exchanged.

Oral sex carries little to no risk of HIV, but it should not be described as absolutely risk-free. Risk may increase with mouth sores, bleeding gums, genital sores, another STI, or ejaculation in the mouth.

Oral sex can also transmit syphilis, gonorrhoea, herpes, HPV, and some forms of hepatitis. Condoms or dental dams can reduce these risks.

No. HIV is a virus that damages the immune system. AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, when immunity is severely weakened or certain opportunistic illnesses occur. Starting antiretroviral treatment early helps people with HIV stay healthy and prevents progression to AIDS.

Any HIV risk occurs while semen is in contact with the lining of the mouth or throat, not because of what happens after it reaches the stomach. HIV risk from oral sex is very low, but may increase with sores, bleeding gums, or another STI. Semen may also carry other STIs. If a concerning exposure happened within 72 hours, seek an urgent PEP assessment.

Razors should not be shared because they may carry blood and can break the skin. The HIV risk is lower than sharing injection equipment, but fresh blood entering a cut should be assessed urgently. Avoiding shared sharp objects also helps prevent hepatitis B and C.

CD4 cells are white blood cells that help coordinate the immune response. HIV attacks these cells. A CD4 count helps assess immune health and the risk of opportunistic illness, but HIV care also considers viral load, general health, and other test results.

A CD4 count below 200 cells per cubic millimetre is considered advanced HIV disease and increases the risk of opportunistic infections. Treatment should not be delayed until CD4 falls: anyone diagnosed with HIV should be linked to care and start ART promptly according to clinical guidance.

HIV is the virus that targets CD4 cells. AIDS is the advanced stage of infection when immunity is severely damaged or certain opportunistic illnesses develop. Effective ART makes HIV a manageable chronic condition. A person who maintains an undetectable viral load does not transmit HIV through sex—known as U=U.

HIV—not AIDS—is transmitted. HIV risk from oral sex is very low compared with anal or vaginal sex, but may increase with sores, bleeding, or semen in the mouth. Other STIs are more readily transmitted through oral sex, so condoms or dental dams can be useful.

The window period is the time between a possible exposure and when a particular test can reliably detect HIV. Count it from the most recent exposure. Typical detection windows are 10–33 days for a NAT, 18–45 days for a laboratory antigen/antibody test using blood from a vein, 18–90 days for a rapid antigen/antibody test, and 23–90 days for an antibody test.

If a result is negative before that period has passed, repeat testing may be needed. Tell the provider about recent PrEP or PEP use because it can affect the testing plan.

There are three main types: antibody tests; antigen/antibody tests that detect p24 antigen and antibodies; and nucleic acid tests (NATs) that detect viral genetic material. PCR-based HIV testing is a form of nucleic acid testing rather than a separate fourth category.

The appropriate test depends on time since exposure, symptoms, and recent PrEP or PEP use.

Everyone should test at least once, with repeat testing after a possible exposure. Testing is particularly important after sex without condoms or preventive medication, with multiple partners, after an STI, when sharing injection equipment, when a partner’s status is unknown, or whenever there is concern. People with ongoing exposure should discuss testing frequency and PrEP with a provider.

Non-reactive means the test did not detect its HIV marker at that time. It must be interpreted with the test type and date of the last possible exposure. A negative result during the window period may not rule out infection, so repeat testing after the appropriate interval may be required.

Frequency depends on exposure. People with ongoing risk are commonly advised to test at least annually, and some may benefit from testing every 3–6 months. People using PrEP test on their clinic schedule. Do not wait for a routine appointment after a new exposure or STI symptoms.

It is the period after a possible exposure when a test may not yet detect HIV. There is no single window for every test: NAT generally detects infection earliest, followed by a laboratory antigen/antibody test and then antibody tests. Ask which test you received and when a repeat test is due.

They have different roles. NAT can detect infection earlier but costs more and is not used for routine screening in every situation. Antigen/antibody and antibody tests are highly accurate when taken after their window periods. Test choice should reflect the timing and clinical assessment.

Costs vary by health entitlement, provider, and test type. Many public facilities and community programmes offer free or low-cost testing, while private prices vary. Confirm the test and fee before your visit, or use Love2Test to locate a service.

PrEP is HIV prevention medication for people who do not have HIV. Options include oral and, in some settings, long-acting formulations. HIV testing and relevant health assessments are required before starting, followed by regular monitoring. PrEP is highly effective when used correctly but does not prevent other STIs or pregnancy.

PEP is emergency antiretroviral medication taken after a possible HIV exposure. It must start as soon as possible and no later than 72 hours; earlier is better. It is usually taken for 28 days with follow-up testing. PEP should be prescribed after a clinical assessment rather than self-medicated.

A reactive screening result needs confirmation. Once confirmed, connect with an HIV clinic and start ART promptly. Treatment supports a long, healthy life, and maintaining an undetectable viral load prevents sexual transmission.

Emotional support is part of care. Speak with a clinical or community team, and never stop or change HIV medication without medical advice.

Antiretrovirals are grouped by where they interrupt HIV’s life cycle, including NRTIs, NNRTIs, protease inhibitors, integrase inhibitors, entry or fusion inhibitors, and multi-class combinations. Modern regimens often combine several medicines in one tablet. A clinician selects the regimen according to health history, tests, drug interactions, and individual needs.

Side effects vary by medicine and person. Early effects can include nausea, headache, dizziness, diarrhoea, tiredness, or sleep changes, and many improve as the body adjusts. Contact the clinic urgently for severe symptoms, rash, breathing difficulty, jaundice, or effects that interfere with daily life. Do not stop ART on your own.

No. Using two external condoms, or an external and internal condom together, can increase friction and lead to breakage or slipping. Use one condom correctly, check its expiry date, and use a water- or silicone-based lubricant compatible with the condom material.

Many people have no symptoms or do not notice them. Primary syphilis may cause a painless, firm sore. Secondary infection may cause a non-itchy rash, often on the palms or soles, swollen lymph nodes, or lesions in moist areas. Symptoms can then disappear into a latent stage. Testing and prompt treatment prevent complications and transmission.

Use treatment exactly as prescribed and do not pick, cut, or remove warts yourself. Keep the area clean and contact your clinician if pain, swelling, bleeding, or lesions worsen. Avoid sexual contact involving lesions until advised otherwise. Condoms reduce but do not eliminate HPV exposure because they do not cover all skin. Partners may benefit from STI advice and HPV vaccination.

Use condoms or dental dams correctly during vaginal, anal, and oral sex. Test at every exposed body site when indicated and never self-treat with antibiotics. If diagnosed, complete treatment, notify current and recent partners for assessment, and avoid sex for the period advised by the provider to prevent reinfection.