1. What is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, particularly CD4 cells. Without effective treatment, HIV can weaken the immune system and may progress to AIDS.
2. How is HIV transmitted?
HIV can be transmitted through certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids and breast milk. Common routes include unprotected sex, sharing contaminated needles or syringes, and transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
3. Can HIV spread through kissing or hugging?
No. HIV does not spread through ordinary social contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or utensils, or casual kissing.
4. What are the early symptoms of HIV?
Some people develop flu-like symptoms a few weeks after infection, such as fever, sore throat, rash, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue. However, many people have no noticeable symptoms, so testing is the only reliable way to know your HIV status.
5. When should I get an HIV test?
Testing is recommended when you may have been exposed to HIV. Because different tests have different window periods, a healthcare professional can advise you on the appropriate test and whether repeat testing is needed.
6. Is HIV curable?
Currently, there is no cure that eliminates HIV from the body, but modern treatment can control the virus very effectively. People who take HIV treatment as prescribed can live long, healthy lives.
7. What is ART for HIV?
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a combination of medicines used to treat HIV. ART reduces the amount of HIV in the body, helps protect the immune system and lowers the risk of HIV-related complications.
8. Can a person with HIV live a normal life?
Yes. With effective ART, regular medical care and a healthy lifestyle, people living with HIV can live long and healthy lives.
9. Can HIV be transmitted if the viral load is undetectable?
A person with HIV who takes treatment as prescribed and maintains an undetectable viral load has no risk of transmitting HIV through sex. This is commonly summarized as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
10. Is there medicine to prevent HIV after exposure?
Yes. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is medication that can help prevent HIV after a possible exposure. It should be started as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours after exposure.
For more, book a consultation with specialist Dr. Hardik Thakker on 08042752572
HIV Specialist in Mulund | HIV Specialist in Mumbai | HIV Specialist in Thane
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system, particularly CD4 cells. Without effective treatment, HIV can weaken the immune system and may progress to AIDS.
2. How is HIV transmitted?
HIV can be transmitted through certain body fluids, including blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids and breast milk. Common routes include unprotected sex, sharing contaminated needles or syringes, and transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding.
3. Can HIV spread through kissing or hugging?
No. HIV does not spread through ordinary social contact such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or utensils, or casual kissing.
4. What are the early symptoms of HIV?
Some people develop flu-like symptoms a few weeks after infection, such as fever, sore throat, rash, swollen lymph nodes and fatigue. However, many people have no noticeable symptoms, so testing is the only reliable way to know your HIV status.
5. When should I get an HIV test?
Testing is recommended when you may have been exposed to HIV. Because different tests have different window periods, a healthcare professional can advise you on the appropriate test and whether repeat testing is needed.
6. Is HIV curable?
Currently, there is no cure that eliminates HIV from the body, but modern treatment can control the virus very effectively. People who take HIV treatment as prescribed can live long, healthy lives.
7. What is ART for HIV?
Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is a combination of medicines used to treat HIV. ART reduces the amount of HIV in the body, helps protect the immune system and lowers the risk of HIV-related complications.
8. Can a person with HIV live a normal life?
Yes. With effective ART, regular medical care and a healthy lifestyle, people living with HIV can live long and healthy lives.
9. Can HIV be transmitted if the viral load is undetectable?
A person with HIV who takes treatment as prescribed and maintains an undetectable viral load has no risk of transmitting HIV through sex. This is commonly summarized as U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
10. Is there medicine to prevent HIV after exposure?
Yes. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is medication that can help prevent HIV after a possible exposure. It should be started as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours and no later than 72 hours after exposure.
For more, book a consultation with specialist Dr. Hardik Thakker on 08042752572
HIV Specialist in Mulund | HIV Specialist in Mumbai | HIV Specialist in Thane
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