HIV
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system, interfering with the body's ability to fight off infections. HIV is not the same as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). AIDS is the most advanced stage of HIV infection, when the immune system is at its weakest and the affected individual has one or more specific illnesses.
In Australia, HIV is commonly transmitted through:
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Unprotected anal or vaginal sex without a condom
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Sharing drug injecting equipment
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Tattooing, piercing and other procedures with unsterile equipment
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Transmission from mother to baby during pregnancy, childbirth or breast-feeding
HIV signs and symptoms
You may not know you have HIV, because some of the symptoms of HIV are like other illnesses (such as glandular fever or flu).
Also, not everyone shows symptoms when they become infected with HIV.
Symptoms of HIV can include:
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flu-like symptoms (runny or blocked nose, sore throat, cough, fever)
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fevers, chills, and night sweats
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rapid weight loss for no known reason and decreased appetite
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swollen lymph glands in the neck, underarm, or groin area
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continuous coughing or a dry cough
If you think you have been exposed to HIV, and have any symptoms see your doctor.
Symptoms usually occur between 1 and 3 weeks after exposure to HIV.
Preventing HIV transmission
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There are many effective ways to prevent HIV.
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Practising safer sex is everybody’s responsibility and enables us to have healthy sex lives.
HIV transmission can be prevented by using condoms, avoiding shared injecting equipment, getting regular sexual health checks and taking HIV medications, such as PrEP(pre-exposure prophylaxis).