HIV and AIDS

This fact sheet answers frequently asked questions about HIV and AIDS.

Page Sections

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system – the part of the body that fights disease. HIV infection can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

Have questions or want to connect?
1010 Massachusetts Ave.

Boston, MA 02118
617-534-5395
info@bphc.org

The basics

How is HIV spread?

HIV spreads through body fluids such as vaginal fluids, semen, and blood. Anyone exposed to the virus through sexual or blood contact can get infected. You can pass HIV through sex (vaginal, oral, or anal), injection drug use, and from mother to child during pregnancy, birth, or breastfeeding. In very rare cases, HIV can pass on through blood transfusions or organ transplants. However, all blood and donated organs undergo screening for HIV, so the chance of infection this way is very small. Individuals can still spread HIV even if they don't have symptoms.

Risk factors for HIV include:

Anal or vaginal sex without using a condom (latex, nitrile, or polyurethane)
Having multiple sex partners
Having another Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) like chlamydia, gonorrhea, or syphilis
Sharing needles or "works" if injecting drugs
Being born to an HIV infected woman
There is little to no risk of getting or transmitting HIV from oral sex

HIV does not survive long outside the human body, and it cannot reproduce outside a human host. It is not spread by

Mosquitoes, ticks, or other insects
Saliva, tears, or sweat that is not mixed with the blood of an HIV-positive person
Hugging, shaking hands, sharing toilets, sharing dishes, or closed-mouth or "social" kissing with someone who is HIV-positive
Other sexual activities that don't involve the exchange of body fluids (for example, touching)

How does HIV work?

General information

There are different stages with HIV infection: Acute HIV Infection, Chronic HIV Infection, and AIDS.

Acute Infection:

This phase takes place 2-4 weeks after initial infection with the virus
The majority of people infected develop a flu-like illness (fever, muscle aches, rash, joint pain)
Symptoms may be mild enough to go unnoticed, but the virus is multiplying and spreading throughout the body during this time
The ability to spread HIV is highest at this stage because the amount of virus in the blood is very high

Chronic HIV Infection

Chronic HIV Infection:

This stage can last for years
There are limited symptoms associated with this stage of HIV infection. Many individuals can live without symptoms for many years
During this phase the virus is present in the body but is not attacking the immune system. However, treatment during this phase is important
Individuals can still spread the virus during this stage

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)

This stage usually occurs years after initial infection with HIV.

A person has AIDS when their immune response is very weak and they have lost the ability to fight off infections
Symptoms associated with this stage can vary greatly
Many medicines are available to treat AIDS
It is important to note that a person can transmit HIV to others during any of these stages

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of HIV?

Many people infected with HIV do not have any symptoms until many years after infection. The following may be warning signs of advanced HIV infection:

Rapid weight loss, dry cough, recurring fever, or severe night sweats
Profound and unexplained fatigue, swollen lymph glands in the armpits, groin, or neck
Diarrhea that lasts for more than a week
White spots or unusual marks on the tongue, the mouth, or the throat
Memory loss, depression, and other neurological problems

Testing

How can I find out if I have HIV?

The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested. A health care provider can take a blood sample or a swab of the inside of your mouth to test for HIV. Depending on the type of test, you could find out results in 20 minutes (Rapid HIV Test) or in a few days. Talk to your health care provider to find out which test is best for you. There are also several free and confidential testing centers in Boston. To find a testing center near you, call the Mayor’s Health Line at 617-534-5050 or visit Get Tested.

Treatment

Can we treat or cure HIV?

Medicines are available to treat HIV infection, but there is currently no cure. HIV medicine reduces the amount of HIV in the body (viral load) to a very low level. This keeps the individual healthy and reduces the chance of infecting others through sex or sharing injection drug equipment. People with HIV who take HIV medicine as prescribed and get and keep an undetectable viral load have effectively no risk of transmitting HIV to their HIV-negative sexual partners.

Although it may be difficult to stay on your HIV treatment plan, it is important. Visit Tips to Stay on an HIV Treatment for ideas on how to overcome some of the challenges you may face.

Researchers are currently working on HIV vaccines, new medicines, and new ways to prevent HIV.

What if I may have been exposed to HIV?

If you think you were exposed to HIV, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Medicines soon after exposure can prevent infection; this is called Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP). If you think you might face exposure to HIV in the future, ask your healthcare provider about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis). If you do not have a healthcare provider, contact the Mayor’s Health Line at 617-534-5050 for help in finding care in Boston.

How can I protect myself from getting HIV?

Consider these options to prevent HIV:

Always use a latex, nitrile, or polyurethane condom or barrier (dental dam) when having sex (vaginal, oral, or anal)
Condoms made from “natural” materials may protect against pregnancy but NOT HIV or other STIs
Limit your number of sex partners
Talk with your partner about their status and getting tested
Talk with your health care provider about safer sex and getting tested
Understand that having sex while under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol can increase the likelihood of unprotected sex
Do not share needles or “works” if you are injecting drugs