HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that affects the immune system, which helps your body fight infections and illnesses.

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) happens when HIV is not treated and the immune system becomes very weak, making it harder to stay healthy.

The good news is that with early diagnosis and effective treatment, HIV can be managed, and most people never develop AIDS. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) helps keep the immune system strong, allowing people with HIV to live long, healthy lives.

There’s currently no cure for HIV, but modern treatments are very effective. With proper medication, people with HIV can have a healthy sexual life without passing the virus to their partners. At our center, we focus on promoting this fact and the U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable) message.

HIV can be passed from one person to another through:

• Unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex with someone who has HIV

• Sharing needles, syringes, or injecting equipment

• Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding (without treatment)

Rarely, through unscreened blood transfusions or organ transplants

HIV is NOT spread by hugging, kissing, sharing toilets, food, drinks, or insect bites.

Starting antiretroviral treatment as soon as possible, and sustaining it as part of your everyday routine, is the best way of ensuring that your immune system stays strong.

• If your HIV is undetectable, you cannot pass it on through sex.

• If you’re not yet undetectable, condoms and safer sex practices reduce risk.

Never share needles or injecting equipment.

Millions of people worldwide are living well with HIV.

• With treatment, life expectancy for someone with HIV is similar to someone without HIV.

• You can still have relationships, have children, and pursue your goals.

Alongside your treatment, there are lots of things you can do to keep yourself healthy and happy and improve your overall wellbeing, like: regular exercising, eating healthy, getting enough rest and quality sleep.

There are some restrictions when it comes to living with HIV, like the inability to donate blood or organs, or travel to certain countries.

When, who and why to tell someone you are HIV positive is your choice.

Some people find it more difficult than others.  However, people can find sharing their status often brings a sense of relief and the possibility of support.

When deciding who you would like to tell (such as a friend, family member or employer) it can be valuable for you to think about the possible reactions of both you and the person you’re telling. This may help you feel more prepared and confident.

Remember, deciding who you would like to tell is a personal choice and not a legal obligation.

There is no right or wrong way to decide when or where or even how, but if you do decide to tell somebody it may be helpful to reflect on the following:

• Who do I want to tell?

• Why do I want to tell them?

• Who can support me with sharing?

• How knowledgeable and comfortable am I in answering questions about HIV?

• What supports might my partner, friends, family need? Would they require literature, organisational support, or counselling? Where would I be able to access this information?

Although you are not legally obliged to share your HIV status, sharing your HIV status with your primary healthcare providers such as dentists, general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists can help you get the best medical care. If your GP is aware of your status, it will prevent them unknowingly prescribing medications which may interfere with your HIV treatment.