Viruses · Hepatitis & others
HIV
HIV infection; AIDS in advanced disease
The short answer
HIV affects the immune system. Living with HIV is not the same as having AIDS. Effective treatment enables long, healthy lives; diagnosis is no basis for stigma.
Transmission and timing
Transmission can occur through blood, sex, pregnancy, birth or breastfeeding. Hugging, shared meals, toilets and ordinary social contact do not transmit HIV.
WHO ↗Symptoms and risk groups
Early infection can cause flu-like symptoms, but symptoms may be absent for a long time. Symptoms cannot diagnose or exclude HIV; appropriate testing is necessary.
WHO ↗When to seek help
Seek assessment immediately after a possible exposure. If post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is indicated, it must start within 72 hours; do not wait for the deadline.
CDC ↗For life-threatening symptoms, severe breathing difficulty or altered consciousness, call your local emergency number (112 in Türkiye).
What does the test show?
Tests have different window periods. An early negative result after exposure may not exclude infection; retesting depends on the test used. Positive screening requires follow-up confirmation.
CDC ↗Care and treatment approach
Antiretroviral treatment suppresses HIV and requires consistent use and follow-up. Do not stop treatment independently; discuss difficulties or adverse effects with the care team.
CDC ↗Prevention and everyday life
Condoms, sterile injection equipment and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) when appropriate are prevention options. PEP is not a substitute for an ongoing prevention plan.
CDC ↗Special situations and risk groups
Coordinate HIV care during pregnancy and infant follow-up with the relevant specialists. Treatment reduces transmission to the baby; discuss feeding in its national and clinical context.
CDC ↗A common misunderstanding
A person who maintains an undetectable viral load on treatment does not transmit HIV through sex: U=U, undetectable equals untransmittable. This is not viral eradication or protection against other infections.
CDC ↗Clinical assessment note
Document test type and latest exposure date; interpret negative results in relation to the window period. Follow reactive screening with confirmation and linkage to care.
CDC ↗Bring a question to your appointment
Does this test need repeating, and how can I start the appropriate treatment or prevention plan today?
International evidence, local decisions
Each source’s country is identified. Vaccine access, reimbursement, isolation and reporting rules vary. Use current guidance and your clinician’s advice in your country; English does not imply UK or US eligibility.
Sources and supporting evidence
- WHO · HIV and AIDS ↗
Country context: International · Source checked:
- CDC · Preventing HIV with PEP ↗
Country context: United States · Source checked:
- CDC · Getting tested for HIV ↗
Country context: United States · Source checked:
- CDC · Treating HIV ↗
Country context: United States · Source checked:
Related topics
Version and change history
- Written by
- Doktorclub editorial team
- Medically reviewed
- Dr. Murat Toktamışoğlu
- Reviewed on
- 14 October 2026
- Next review
- 14 April 2027
- Version
- 1.0.0
- — Medical and language review completed for this language version.
- — Sourced draft prepared in the second content wave. Medical and language review have not been completed.
Doktorclub editorial content · Prepared with AI assistance and reviewed for medical accuracy and language. Information supports, but does not replace, clinical assessment. This guide does not diagnose or create a personal medication plan. Report a content correction · Editorial standards