🧡 Protection possible:
Condoms, PrEP and clean syringes prevent HIV transmission.
👥 No risk in everyday life:
Shaking hands, kissing or eating together do not transmit HIV.
💊 Therapy works:
Regular medication reduces the Viral loadViral load refers to the amount of viruses that can be detected in a person's blood. - In the case of HIV, the viral load indicates how many HI viruses per millilitre... Mehr - HIV is then no longer transmissible.
🧪 Test brings clarity:
Only an HIV test can tell you for sure whether you are infected.
What is HIV
HIV is the abbreviation for "human immunodeficiency virus". It is a virus that causes the Immune system weakens. Without treatment, it can lead to AIDS in the long term. Immediately after HIV transmission, the virus begins to multiply in the body and attack the body's defences step by step. An HIV infection often goes unnoticed for a long time, as many people do not notice any symptoms at first.
HIV is mainly transmitted during sex without protection, via blood or during childbirth. Especially during anal intercourse, for example MSM, trans or bi+ people, the risk is increased. HIV prevention therefore plays a central role: condoms, PrEP or protection through therapy help to avoid transmission.
If HIV is recognised early, the infection can now be treated very well. Modern HIV therapy stops the virus multiplying in the body. Anyone who is HIV-positive and takes medication regularly remains healthy and does not pass on the virus. This is the core of any effective HIV treatment.
There is currently no HIV vaccination to protect against infection - but research is ongoing.
What is Aids
Aids is the advanced stage of an untreated HIV infection. If HIV is not recognised or treated for many years, it can lead to Immune system The immune system can be weakened to such an extent that the body can no longer defend itself against certain infections or types of cancer - this is known as AIDS.
Many people confuse HIV with AIDS or use the terms interchangeably. The difference is important: HIV is the virus, AIDS is the possible consequence. Today, Aids mainly occurs when people do not even know that they are HIV-positive - or have no access to medical care.
In Germany, Aids has become rare thanks to early diagnosis and modern HIV therapies. Those who are treated in good time remain healthy and can live with HIV without ever contracting AIDS.
HIV and Aids difference
Even though the terms are often used in the same breath, the difference between HIV and AIDS is crucial:
- HIV is the virus with which you become infected.
- Aids is the clinical picture that can develop if HIV is not treated.
A person with HIV is therefore not automatically ill. Thanks to modern therapy, the virus in the body can be suppressed to such an extent that HIV is no longer transmissible and AIDS does not develop in the first place.
If you take an HIV test regularly and start treatment early if necessary, you can lead a completely normal life. It is therefore important to know the difference between HIV and Aids - not only for yourself, but also to counteract stigma and misinformation.
FAQ - frequently asked questions about HIV and Aids
Many people have questions about HIV and AIDS - from infection and treatment to living with HIV. You will find the most important answers clearly summarised in our FAQ.
With earlier Diagnosis and good treatment, people with HIV can now live to the same age as people without HIV.
No, HIV is currently not curable. But it is very treatable. The therapy keeps the virus permanently under control.
Yes, an HIV infection can be asymptomatic for years. Regular testing is the only sure way to be sure.
If HIV remains untreated and the Immune system is severely weakened, this can lead to AIDS. This can be prevented with therapy.
In the case of AIDS, the body can no longer defend itself against infections or cancer. It is a serious illness that requires medical care.
There is currently no authorised vaccination against HIV. Researchers around the world are working on it.
Yes, anyone who is successfully treated and Viral load below the detection limit can no longer transmit HIV during sex (U=U: "Undetectable = Untransmittable").
PrEP is a pill that protects HIV-negative people from infection - particularly useful for people at high risk of exposure.
If you have changing partners, it makes sense to get tested every 3 to 6 months. This can be done free of charge at checkpoints or health centres, for example.
More about HIV
- HIV and oral sex?
- Research
- Treatment & Therapy
- HIV self-test
- Positive. What now?
- HIV test
- HIV symptoms & progression
- HIV transmission
Blog posts about HIV and Aids
Exciting articles and voices from the community: find out more about everyday life with HIV, prevention methods and personal experiences.
Materials to inform and share
Here you will find various materials on HIV, AIDS and queer health - digital or printed, to read, look at and pass on.
HIV / AIDS, hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases
Basic information on transmission, protection, diagnosis, treatment | 2023 „HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and sexually transmitted diseases“...
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