Here’s everything you need to know about HIV
There are a lot of misconceptions when it comes to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite what a lot of people think, HIV and AIDs aren’t the same thing. HIV can be treated with medications that keep people healthy long-term while AIDS is a development of the disease if it’s left undetected and untreated.
HIV is only passed on through the semen, blood, vaginal fluid, anal fluid or breast milk of a person with HIV who has a detectable viral load. This means vaginal sex, anal sex, or sharing needles can pass HIV. HIV may also be passed from a pregnant person to their baby while in the womb, during birth or breastfeeding.
There are a lot of rumours that go around about HIV, so let’s set some of those straight: You can’t tell if someone has HIV just by looking at them, you can’t get HIV by kissing or cuddling, mosquitoes don’t pass on HIV and you can’t get it by shaking hands, sharing cutlery or cups, or by eating food made by someone with HIV.
Using condoms, testing every 6-12 months and getting treatment if needed are ways you can protect yourself and take control of your sexual health.
If you have questions about HIV or sexual health you can call the Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 to talk to a nurse. The Sexual Health Infolink is open Monday – Friday between 9am – 5.30pm. The Sexual Health Infolink provides free, non-judgemental sexual health information and referral. You can call if you have symptoms, to find your nearest sexual health clinic or if you need access to condoms.
Watch the video and hear what other students have to say about HIV, who’s at risk, how to protect yourself and when to get tested.
