Frequently Asked Questions About HIV and PrEP

HIV is a deadly virus that attacks the human defense mechanism (immune system) against infections, destroying it gradually until it gets so weak that it becomes unable to defend the body against other infections. HIV, which stands for human immunodeficiency virus, targets a specific type of white blood cells in the body, commonly called T cells, and makes use of their replicative ability to replicate. One major factor that makes HIV so deadly is the fact that it has no cure. However, HIV itself does not kill, AIDS does. If HIV is not managed properly or treated, it will turn into AIDS eventually.

AIDS is not to be confused with HIV as they are two different yet related concepts. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and is the aftermath or higher level of HIV. It occurs when the immune system has been extremely weakened to the point that it loses its ability to ward off infections. AIDS occurs as a result of poor management and treatment of HIV. However, in today’s world, fewer people develop AIDS due to the creation and development of antiretroviral treatment. Antiretroviral drugs are medications that help to reduce one’s viral load and equally ward off infections, leading to an improved quality of life.

Thus, it is important to note that one can still live a long and fulfilled life even with HIV.

HIV can be contracted through activities that bring about contact or exchange of fluids from the body between a person who carries the virus, and a non-infected individual. Bodily fluids here include milk of the breast, semen, and blood.Contrary to popular opinion, unprotected sex is not the only means through which the virus can be transmitted. The deadly virus can spread through a number of ways, the most frequent ones are:

• from mother to her child during breastfeeding;
• sexual intercourse;
• injections: one could contract HIV by sharing syringes with people who are carriers of the virus. There is a 0.63% risk of being infected with HIV via syringes.

In very rare cases, HIV is gotten via oral sex or deep kisses. HIV infection by kissing only takes place when both partners have bleeding gums and there is an exchange of blood.

There are two treatment options available for HIV, they include:

• PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis): PrEP is a preventive treatment (i.e, it is used before contracting the virus to prevent infection);
• PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis): PEP is used anytime within 48 hours of exposure, to prevent infection;
• ART (antiretroviral therapy): ART involves the use of a combination of antiretroviral meds to treat those who are already infected with the virus.

However, all 3 treatment options involve the use of antiretroviral drugs. Antiretroviral drugs work by limiting and suppressing the activities of HIV in the body. It prevents viral multiplication, thus reducing the viral load to a point it becomes undetectable.

The sure way to determine your HIV status is by getting tested. One can get a test at the hospital or nearby HIV clinics. Your doctor can simply carry out a test on you. Fortunately, pharmacies now offer HIV testing kits. Thus, you can test your HIV status from the comfort of your home.What’s more, there are certain symptoms (resembling those of flu) associated with HIV infection. These symptoms often surface any time from two to four weeks from the period the virus is contracted. The symptoms arise because the body is unfamiliar with the virus, and is trying to adjust to accommodate it.

The flu-like symptoms are:

• bloated lymph nodes;
• fatigue;
• headache;
• sore throat;
• skin rash;
• fever;
• loss of appetite.

While these symptoms may indicate HIV infection, they are not a reliable way of determining one’s HIV status. This is because these symptoms may also arise for diseases other than HIV. This said the best way to determine your status is to carry out tests.

Altogether, symptoms or no symptoms, the importance of taking HIV tests regularly once you have an active sexual life can not be overemphasized.

The best time to carry out an HIV test is when you have had unprotected sex or when you have a suspicion that you were exposed in one way or the other.It is important to factor in the HIV window period while deciding when to go for a test. Tests carried out outside the window period of the virus may give inaccurate results.

The window period is the period between the time of exposure to the virus, and the time a test taken will give correct results. It can also be seen as the time it takes for HIV to register in the body or show up. The window period is within three (3) to four (4) weeks from the exposure time.

Thus, if one takes a test shortly after being exposed to the virus and the results are negative, another one should be taken after the window period must have expired.

As stated earlier, getting regular HIV tests is very important. Routine testing is considered a preventive measure. Every individual should try to take a test at least once, yearly. However, individuals who are sexually active and feel that they are at high risk should take a test every three (3) to six (6) months. This would help in detecting the virus early and taking the necessary measures on time.People between the ages of 16 and 64 are advised to take a test at least once, whether they are at high risk or not.

Most private insurance companies offer coverage for health conditions and preventive measures. In the USA, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) covers certain important preventive services like running tests. Tests for HIV status are covered by insurance. Thus, citizens between a stipulated age range (15-65) can get tested for HIV with full insurance coverage. The insurance often covers individuals of other ages as well as those with high exposure or tendency of getting infected.

Condoms protect against HIV/AIDS, and they are very effective at this. Studies have shown that materials such as latex, used to make most condoms do not allow the virus to pass through them, and provide up to 80% effectiveness. They act as a barrier towards the transmission of HIV by preventing direct contact with bodily fluids such as vaginal fluid, semen and so on.Condoms are effective except in certain cases. These cases include:

• when they’re used incorrectly: A lot of people encounter challenges when putting on a condom. As such, they may end up wearing it incorrectly;
• breakage or leakage: In some cases, condoms may break or leak, causing body fluids to seep through, thereby transmitting the infection to one’s partner.

Thus, when used correctly, condoms are a very effective preventive strategy against infection. In fact, condoms are presently the most effective birth control means of preventing the contraction of STDs.

There are two major types of condom popularly used to prevent HIV infection. They are:

1. The external condom: This is popularly known as the male condom. It is made of latex and completely sheathes or covers the penis during sexual activity.
2. The internal condom: This is also referred to as the female condom. It is quite different in appearance from the male condom. It closely resembles a pouch but it has an opening at one end, while the other end is sealed. Both ends are held by tiny rings. During sex, the closed end is inserted into the vagina while the open end is left outside. This internal condom can also be used during anal sex.

In terms of effectiveness, the two types of condoms are highly recommended for the prevention of HIV. However, studies have shown that the internal condom has a lower failure rate. In an experiment carried out, it was observed that internal condoms have a 0.1-5.6% failure rate while external condoms have a 0.4-6.5% failure rate.

Thus, it is safe to say that internal condoms are best for HIV protection.

Acquiring HIV via anal sex is very possible and probable. As a matter of fact, medical experts opine that anal sex is eighteen times riskier than vaginal sex. This is because the cells in the anus are far more prone to HIV and other infections than the cells in the vagina.Similarly, the rectal tissues are very fragile and porous, granting the virus direct access into the bloodstream. In the same vein, there is a high concentration of HIV in the semen and rectal mucosa, increasing the possibility of contracting HIV.

As a result, gay males and bisexual men face a higher likelihood of acquiring the infection because they mainly have anal sex. Thus, they make up a large percent of the demographics of people who are HIV-positive around the globe.

“Undetectable HIV status” or viral load is a common phrase thrown around when discussing antiretroviral therapy. It simply refers to a state whereby the level of HIV in a person is so low (less than 50 copies) to an extent that it becomes intransmissible.Thus, a patient whose viral load is below detectable levels cannot transmit the virus to his partner or other people.

An undetectable status can be achieved through the constant use of antiretroviral medications.

An undetectable viral load does not mean that one has been cured of the virus. A test will still show “positive”, however, the immune system will be intact and there will be a reduced chance of transmitting the virus.

An individual carrying the virus, but at a level that’s undetectable can not transmit it to a partner or other people around. According to the CDC, an undetectable viral level translates to the inability to transmit the virus.Thus, you can have a relationship with an undetectable person without contracting or getting to catch the virus.

Currently, there is no cure for HIV regardless of the stage or gravity. However, it is advised to regularly test for HIV in order to detect the virus early. If you test positive, you will immediately be placed on antiretroviral medications/therapy. Starting and strictly adhering to ART medication can help HIV patients go on to live a long and fulfilling life just like anyone else.Individuals who have been exposed to the virus can contact their doctors for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) treatment immediately.

Antiretroviral medications are meant to suppress and reduce your viral load count. An individual may decide to stop taking these medications for a number of reasons. However, this decision can be quite dangerous and detrimental to health.When you stop taking your anti-HIV medications, your viral level increases. You may begin to feel symptoms of illness and your immune system will be weakened.

What’s more, there’s a very high chance of the virus developing resistance to the particular antiretroviral agents that are part of your regimen or an antiretroviral combination.

Eventually, HIV will develop lead to AIDS since there are no medications to keep it in check. AIDS is imminent if you stop taking your meds.

One major concern that individuals carrying HIV have is the price of the medications. The cost of a single drug runs into thousands of dollars.The exorbitant prices of HIV medications can be attributed to two major factors:

• cost of research: Millions of dollars are poured into several researches and experiments annually in order to develop these medications and possibly find a permanent cure for the virus. As such, the prices of the medication are hiked in order to compensate for the huge sums spent on research;
• little competition: Very few pharmaceutical companies develop HIV medications. As such, there is little to no competition and these companies can easily hike their prices without losing customers.

Although HIV medications can be expensive, there are several insurance policies and plans that can cover most of the bills, making it more affordable for PLWHA.

There are several preventive measures which one can take to avoid getting infected with HIV. They include:

• safe sex: The importance of the use of condoms while having sex can not be overemphasized. It helps to prevent direct contact with vaginal and penile fluids and ultimately prevent transmission;
• not sharing needles: HIV can be contracted when one uses a needle or syringe previously used by someone who carries the virus. As such, it is important to avoid the sharing of needles at all costs;
• regular visits to the doctor: Visiting the doctor regularly would help you know if you are at risk of contracting the disease. Subsequently, you would be placed on necessary preventive treatments;
• PrEP and PEP: These are medications given to people who are at risk or have been exposed. It helps to prevent transmission of the virus or getting infected.

HIV currently has no known cure. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary preventive measures against it.

PrEP is a daily prescription given to HIV negative people in order to help them avoid contracting the virus. According to the CDC, this medication has a 90% success rate. Thus, the chance of getting the virus while following the strategy is quite slim.However, the possibility should not be ruled out. There have been a few reported cases of individuals who contracted HIV while on PrEP. Though these cases are believed to have resulted from the incorrect use of the drug, or failure to follow prescriptions to the letter. This is still a possibility, however. Thus, it is important to take a few other preventive measures while on PrEP to leave no room for the virus. One highly efficient and cost-effective preventive measure one can take is the use of condoms.

HIV has a series of stages. The early stages come with symptoms that are flu-like. Thus, a patient may be led to think that he/she merely has flu and may even self-medicate. Some patients experience no symptoms at all. Thus, it may take years before one realizes that he/she has contracted the virus. One can even live with HIV without knowing for close to six years. This is why it is very important to always get tested so as to detect the virus early and commence treatment immediately.

There are three major stages of HIV which mark the depletion of CD4 cells. These are acute infection, chronic infection, and AIDS. AIDS is the last and most severe stage of HIV. Without proper medical intervention, HIV could progress into AIDS. The time frame varies from individual to individual. However, the average time in which HIV progresses into AIDS is between 5-10 years. With proper healthcare, a patient will not progress into AIDS.

The term PrEP is one that’s gaining popularity in the world we live in today. But what is PrEP really, and what is it used for?PrEP is an acronym for pre-exposure prophylaxis. It is a medication formulated to help people who are currently HIV-negative but prone to getting infected, prevent it. PrEP comes in the form of a brand name drug, Truvada, which is a combination of two antiretroviral agents known as tenofovir and emtricitabine.

PrEP has proven to be very effective in the prevention of HIV when taken correctly and consistently. Its success rate is high (provides above 90% of protection).

It is important to note that PrEP only protects against HIV. It does not protect against STIs. Thus, it is important to also use condoms even while on PrEP.

PrEP is impressively effective. Studies have shown that the strategy prevents infection via sexual intercourse by 92%. It also takes down the chances of infection via syringes by 70%.For people who have more than one sexual partner, experts advise that other protective measures should be taken in addition to PrEP. This is because the medication’s efficacy is increased when other protective measures are taken as well.

Thus, prophylaxis is highly effective.

PrEP works by slowing down or completely putting an end to the replication of the virus in the body.Typically, when HIV is contracted, the virus attacks the T cells and replicates itself. The tenofovir in PrEP medications blocks the actions of an enzyme known as HIV reverse transcriptase. As it inhibits this enzyme, it prevents the virus from establishing a strong bond with the cells, and thus prevents it from replicating.

However, the usage options for PrEP vary depending on the circumstances surrounding exposure. For people who have only vaginal sex, the medication needs to be taken consistently for seven days in order to gain protection and even after then. On the other hand, people looking to prevent HIV via anal sex are to use PrEP daily.

Medical experts suggest that it takes at least 7 days for PrEP to provide optimum protection against the virus. Thus, one needs to take the medications consistently for seven days before he can be guaranteed maximum protection. Once PrEP is taken correctly and consistently, it will be highly effective in the prevention of HIV.

PrEP and PEP are similar medications in the sense that they are both used as a preventive measure against HIV. However, there’s some difference between both meds. PrEP is used prior to exposure to the virus. That is, it is used before one is exposed to HIV in order to avoid contracting the virus. On the other hand, PEP is used to after one has been exposed to the virus or suspects being exposed. The medication then prevents the virus from taking root in the body system.Unlike PrEP, PEP is used for a smaller duration of time. It is taken not more than 72 hours from the time of exposure. If it is taken after this timeframe, it will not be effective.

If you’re currently carrying HIV, and you take your pills regularly and have achieved an undetectable viral status, it is good. However, you cannot use PrEP as it is meant for only people who are negative. Using PrEP while positive can cause the virus to mutate and develop resistance to your current antiretroviral combination.On the other hand, if you’re uninfected and have a partner who is carrying the virus but maintains an undetectable viral load (i.e. cannot transmit HIV to you) you may use PrEP. While your partner will be incapable of transmitting the virus based on the fact that his/her viral level is below detectable range, using PrEP will ensure that you’re 100% safe.

If you feel you’re prone to HIV infection, you may pay a visit to your doctor. Similarly, you can go to your local clinic or a nearby HIV clinic. The doctor will then ask you some questions and run some tests to ensure that you do not already have the virus. If you are eligible to use PrEP, the doctor will then give you a prescription for the medication.PrEP is meant to be used by people currently uninfected alone. This is because Truvada alone which is the only drug used for PrEP is ineffective when used to treat already-infected persons. Normally, in the control of HIV, a combination of several antiretrovirals are used. Thus, using Truvada alone could cause the virus to develop resistance to the drug. What this means is that some of the drugs normally used for fighting the virus may no longer work.

Any physician, doctor or medical practitioner is licensed to prescribe PrEP pills. However, not all doctors are familiar with the medication and the rules guiding its use. Thus, it is important to visit a doctor who has adequate knowledge concerning the use of PrEP. In the same vein, you can walk into any HIV prevention clinic for a prescription. These clinics have doctors who are trained and well-versed in PrEP medications.

Through a series of trials, PrEP has been confirmed to be very safe and effective for use in the prevention of HIV. Although one may experience side effects after using the pills, the effects are completely normal. The negative aftereffects of PrEP medications are minor and do not leave any lasting reaction. Thus, one can use PrEP medications without permanent side effects or any alterations to the body functions.

Truvada is a branded pill used for PrEP. It is a combination of two antiretroviral medications known as tenofovir disoproxil and emtricitabine. Truvada is commonly used to prevent HIV from establishing a bond with the T cells of a healthy individual and replicating.What does this medication look like? It is a tiny blue pill that comes is slightly different shapes, depending on the strength. For example, Truvada in the strength of 200 mg/300 mg as well as that in 167 mg/250 mg, has a capsule shape, that in 133 mg/200 mg has a rectangular shape, and the pill in the strength of 100 mg/150 mg has an oval or elliptical shape. It is important to note that Truvada is a delicate medication and as such, requires a doctor’s prescription before use.

Truvada is approved for use as a safe and effective medication for the prevention of HIV. If used according to prescription in the PrEP strategy, it could be everything you need to escape HIV infection.

Ever since the invention of Truvada, the medication has had a very high success rate among users. As of 2015, the success rate of Truvada was pegged at 86%. However, with development and evolution, the success rate of this medication has increased to well above 90%.The statistics is a source of relief to people prone to acquiring the infection (i.e, exposed to high risks). They can now use this medication and go about their daily lives without fear of infection.

Many people often wonder who makes PrEP medications. So far, Truvada is the only brand of PrEP medication approved by regulatory bodies for the prevention of HIV. This PrEP pill is solely manufactured by the pharmaceutical company known as Gilead Sciences.However, currently, there is a generic alternative to Truvada. While it is exactly the same in terms of ingredients, mode of administration, dosage, side effects and action (differing only in packaging), it costs far less than the branded drug. The generic version of Truvada is made by Teva pharmaceuticals.

PrEP medications can be taken either daily or on-demand (event-based). Event-based or on-demand use is strictly for anal. However, if you are trying to prevent infection via frontal (vaginal) sex, you should use the daily routine.For the daily routine/dosage, you are required to take one pill daily with water. This daily dosage should be taken at the same time quotidianly in order to establish a routine. However, one can decide to take the pills a few hours earlier or later.

On the other hand, the event-based dosing requires you to take:

• 2 pills at least 2 hours prior to sex;
• 1 pill after 24 hours;
• an extra pill after 24 hours.

It is worthy of note that people who have Hepatitis B should not choose this option as it could aggravate their condition.

When taking medications on a daily basis, skipping a dose can sometimes be unavoidable. If you miss a dose of PrEP medications, there’s no need to panic. If you remember it that day, you can always take a pill to serve as compensation for the missed dose. However, if it extends to the next day, there is no need to double dose. Rather, just carry on with your daily routine. More than a single dose of Truvada should ever be taken in less than 24 hours. This will be overdosing, and it could lead to discomfort or serious complications.

Nearly all drugs have the potential of causing certain negative aftereffects. However, not every user gets to experience them.PrEP medications such as Truvada may have a series of negative aftereffects on users. These negative aftereffects may be short or long-term.

The short term negative aftereffects are quite temporary and fade within a matter of time. They are observed within a short period of usage. Some short term negative aftereffects of PrEP medications include:

• nausea;
• diarrhea;
• headaches.

On the other hand, the long-term negative aftereffects may be observed after an extended period of use and may take longer to fade away. Some long-term negative aftereffects of PrEP meds include:

• loss of bone density;
• liver health: PrEP medications could cause a denigration in the functions of the liver.

In the same vein, patients who have Hepatitis B could experience a worsening of the health condition. However, the presence of these side effects does not mean that PrEP medications are unsafe or dangerous.

Although Truvada needs to be taken consistently for effectiveness, it has a high level of efficacy. This medication upon administration will stay in your system long enough to cover one or two missed doses. Although it takes quite some time for maximum protection to be achieved by the drug. Scientists are not sure yet, but based on estimates, it takes the drug different time to assume full protection of certain areas of the body. For example, it takes about 7 days for the drug to protect the rectum maximally, 20 days for blood, and vaginal tissue protection as well.

If you stop taking PrEP, you become prone to HIV infection again. This means that you can easily contract the virus if there is an exchange of fluids between you and a person who’s infected. However, there is no problem at all if you are not exposed to the virus.If you plan on stopping PrEP, it is important to inform your sexual partner(s), as well as a healthcare provider. A test to determine your status should be taken about 3-4 weeks from the time of the last exposure.

If you get exposed to HIV after you may have stopped PrEP medications, contact your doctor to get started on PEP immediately.

There are no known interactions between PrEP medications such as Truvada and alcohol. Thus, you can take this medication safely before or after drinking alcohol. However, it is always advisable to drink in moderation.

A lot of people have concerns about PrEP medications and drug resistance. However, these concerns are in most cases, unfounded. In the context of PrEP, the resistance is related to HIV. I.e, the virus may develop resistance to PrEP medications. What this implies is that as an HIV negative user, there are no chances of drug resistance. Resistance to the drug will only be developed when:

• one starts PrEP without knowing that he/she is positive. It is important to note that PrEP as a preventive measure would not be effective if you are already positive. This is why it is essential to have an HIV test done before commencing PrEP;
• you take a break from PrEP, contract HIV during the break and restart the medication without tests;
• you skip too many doses. Skipping too many doses of the medication will cause the drug levels to become low and subsequently, ineffective;
• you come in contact with drug-resistant HIV. However, this scenario is very rare. So far, only two cases related to a situation of this sort have been recorded.

When one uses PrEP medications correctly, the chances of developing drug resistance are slim to none.

PrEP medication can be bought from HIV prevention centers or clinics. However, in most cases, a prescription will be required. The med can also be bought from online pharmacies. While some will still require a prescription, there are those that don’t.However, the price, especially for the branded drug, is usually very expensive, costing about $1,800 on average for 30 pills (one month supply).

Fortunately, the generic alternatives are available at a way cheaper prices on online pharmacies. People looking to buy PrEP meds online are advised to buy from reliable stores only. This is to ensure that they buy high-quality pills that will be effective and not cause any complications.

There are a few reputable online pharmacies patients can rest assured will deliver quality pills. These pharmacies can be searched for and found. BuyPrEPOnline is one of the few reliable online pharmacies buyers can trust.

It should be noted that PrEP medications such as Truvada are very expensive. Unless you have insurance, you may find it very hard to afford this medication (use is as it should be used).Truvada costs about $2,000 per month. Its price is pegged at $13,000 per year or more. Thus, only a tiny percentage of people actually use PrEP medications.

A lot of health insurance plans provide coverage for PrEP. For example, with insurance plans such as Medicaid, you can get PrEP medications at a subsided price.However, without insurance, PrEP medications are very expensive and almost unaffordable. Without insurance, PrEP medications cost at least $13,000 per year.

There are several insurance plans that can help you with paying for PrEP medications if you cannot afford it. For example, Gilead (the company which produces Truvada) offers a wide range of healthcare insurance plans.There are also a few HIV prevention centers which can help you get Truvada for free.

So far, Truvada is the only approved brand name medication for the prevention of HIV. However, currently, there are generic versions up for sale in certain pharmacies. Cheaper generics of Truvada include Tenof-EM, Ricovir-EM, Tavin-EM, and Tenvir-EM. They are available on BuyPrEPOnline and can be purchased online by a few clicks of the button.

Unless you are on PrEP medications, getting exposed to HIV can be very risky. It is highly possible to contract the virus after one exposure. Similarly, one may have unprotected sex and still not contract HIV.Studies have pegged the risk of sharing the virus via receptive vaginal sex at 0.08%. In the same vein, the risk of sharing it via insertive vaginal sex has been pegged at 0.04%.

Although these figures may seem low, it is important to apply caution, especially if you have no access to PrEP medications. This is because one can easily contract HIV after one exposure, no matter how miniscule it may be.

No, it is impossible. HIV must be first carried before it can be transmitted. Thus, for one to contract the virus, he has to get it from an infected person. Therefore, it goes without saying that you cannot acquire HIV from anyone who doesn’t have it.

In most cases, HIV is not detected immediately after transmission. You may contract the virus and still get negative results after a test. This is because of the window period. The window period is the longevity between when a person gets infected and when the virus can be detected by a test. Thus, even after testing negative, it is important to wait for a little while before carrying out another test in 3 months after the window period must have elapsed. This should be done in order for one to be certain of his HIV status.

Vaginal sex is one of the primary ways through which HIV is transmitted and contracted. However, studies have shown that women are more susceptible to the virus than men. This does not mean that men are immune to the virus. There is a higher risk of acquiring the virus via vaginal sex. However, women are more prone to getting infected via penetrative sex than men.

Yes, you can. Though HIV can be a real hindrance and a source of concern in relationships where one partner is positive. However, medical experts advise that HIV should not get in the way of your relationship.People infected with the virus can still have healthy sex lives and relationships. While they can have sex, the importance of using a condom can not be overemphasized. This is to prevent transmitting the virus to a partner. Even in cases where a partner is positive as well, it is advisable to still use protection.

HIV can only be transmitted from a positive/infected person to one whose status is negative. Thus, if both people in the relationship are uninfected, there is a zero chance of contracting the virus from each other. However, the risk of getting infected remains if multiple partners outside the relationship are involved. This is why the use of condoms at all times is strongly recommended.

People in heterosexual relationships have a lower likelihood of contracting HIV compared to people in homosexual relationships. In fact, studies show that homosexual men are 20 times more susceptible to the virus than heterosexuals. This phenomenon is closely linked to the thinness of the rectum lining.

HIV is not contained in the saliva. Thus, you cannot acquire the virus by drinking after someone or from the same glass as an infected person. Similarly, you cannot contract the virus from a toilet seat or through mosquito bites.

Anal sex is considerably riskier than other types of sex when it comes to HIV transmission. There is about 13 times more likelihood that the receptive partner (also known as the bottom) will contract HIV from his/her partner. This is because the rectum’s lining is thin and is permissible enough for the virus to pass through into the bloodstream. The top partner can also contract the virus from a positive bottom. However, he is less prone to get it.

With the viral load of the bottom undetectable, he cannot get his partner or any other person infected. Thus, as long as the bottom is undetectable, his partner cannot contract the virus from him.

The infection does not necessarily cause one to gain weight in patients. However, a change or redistribution of body fat has been linked to antiretroviral meds. ARVs can cause hormonal changes and subsequently, lead to weight gain or loss. If you are experiencing abnormal weight gain, it is advised that you see your doctor immediately.

Besides the immune system, HIV also affects the menstrual cycle in women. It causes hormonal changes and women who are infected may experience abnormal changes in their menstrual cycle. Some common changes in the menstrual cycle include:

• spotting;
• heavy periods;
• missed periods;
• extremely long intervals between periods.

It is always important to visit a doctor once these changes are observed.

As a woman living with HIV, you can easily conceive and carry your baby to full term without transmitting the virus to him/her. The circumstances surrounding your conception and childbirth depends on your health status and that of your man.During the course of pregnancy, women with the virus are required to constantly take ARVs in order to achieve an optimum viral status. If their viral level so low that it becomes undetectable by week 36, they can easily give birth like other women. If not, they’d be required to give birth through a Caesarean Section because this type of delivery reduces the risk of transmission from mother to child.

PrEP serves as a form of protection. An individual on PrEP cannot get the infection and as such, cannot transmit it. It is important to note that one can only acquire the virus from a patient with high viral status. Thus, you can not get HIV from someone who on PrEP medications.

Studies have shown that HIV is almost harmless outside the body, even in semen. Experiments carried out in labs proved that HIV levels are lowered once outside the body. However, there is still a slight chance of contracting the virus if you reuse a condom used previously by someone carrying the virus. The chances are quite slim and so far, there has been no reported incident of someone getting infected by reusing a condom.

You can only contract HIV from drinking the blood of someone who carries the virus. However, this is not always the case as you could drink the blood of an infected person without contracting the virus yourself. This is because HIV does not last long outside the body. To be on the safe side, it is advised not to engage in unsafe activities such as blood drinking.

You can not know your partner’s HIV status by simply looking at him/her. This is because certain carriers of the virus look completely healthy and do not display any symptoms at all. The only way to know your partner’s status for sure is by going for a test together.

In today’s world, people with HIV can go on to live a long and fulfilling life, just like anyone else. While they won’t live forever (of course no one does), their life expectancy can be as long as that of an uninfected person. However, the only way to achieve this is by constantly taking ARVs in order to achieve and keep an optimum viral status.