About HIV

Quick facts about HIV

• HIV is a virus that reduces your body’s ability to fight infections.

• If HIV is left untreated, it can escalate to AIDS. AIDS can be life-threatening.

• Getting tested is the only way to know whether you have HIV.

While there is no cure for HIV, the virus can be managed with medical care, treatment, and a healthy lifestyle.

HIV symptoms

Knowing the symptoms of HIV is important. However, people with HIV usually don’t have symptoms for at least 2–4 weeks. In fact, many won’t experience symptoms for months or even years.

Experiencing symptoms alone does not mean that you have HIV. Alternatively, you may not have any symptoms of HIV but still be infected with the virus. Therefore, it’s important to get tested to confirm whether you have HIV.

Most common HIV symptoms Less common HIV symptoms

Fever Headache

Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes Nausea and vomiting

Sore throat Enlarged liver/spleen

Rash Weight loss

Muscle pain Thrush (yeast infection in mouth)

Sores in mouth and throat Neurological symptoms

Feeling unwell in general

Am I at risk for HIV?

Anyone of any sexual orientation, age, or race can get HIV.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the risk of HIV is higher for:

• Gay or bisexual men

• Injection drug users

• People with more than one sex partner

Testing is the only way to know for sure

If you think you may have been exposed to the virus, talk to your doctor about getting tested. A blood test for HIV can confirm whether you’re HIV-positive.

Only an HIV screening can confirm whether someone is infected with HIV.Testing is for everyone!