HIV

HIV weakens the immune system and is usually passed on through vaginal or anal sex without a condom. Testing for HIV is done with a blood test.

HIV treatment, called antiretroviral therapy (ART) is excellent and enables most people to live healthy lives with a normal life expectancy, especially if treatment starts early and regular appointments are attended. Although it isn’t yet possible to cure HIV, after about 6 months of successful treatment the virus can become undetectable.  When this happens, sexual partners cannot acquire the infection. This is called “U=U” (Undetectable = Untransmittable).

Using condoms correctly helps prevent HIV.