Campaigns by UNAIDS and organizations around the world have communicated this as Undetectable = Untransmittable. Īn HIV-positive person who has an undetectable viral load as a result of long-term treatment has effectively no risk of transmitting HIV sexually. An HIV-positive person on treatment can expect to live a normal life, and die with the virus, not of it. Įffective treatment for HIV-positive people (people living with HIV) involves a life-long regimen of medicine to suppress the virus, making the viral load undetectable.
Infection with HIV ( Human Immunodeficiency Virus), a retrovirus, can be managed with treatment but without treatment can lead to a spectrum of conditions including AIDS ( Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). Near normal life expectancy with treatment ġ1 years life expectancy without treatment Ħ4.8 million – 113 million total cases Safe sex, needle exchange, male circumcision, pre-exposure prophylaxis, post-exposure prophylaxis Unprotected anal or vaginal sex, having another sexually transmitted infection, needle sharing, medical procedures involving unsterile cutting or piercing, and experiencing needlestick injury
Later: Large lymph nodes, fever, weight loss The red ribbon is a symbol for solidarity with HIV-positive people and those living with AIDS.