HIV
How is HIV Transmitted?
HIV is mainly transmitted through unprotected vaginal and anal sex. There is also a high risk of transmission when sharing needles that have come into contact with infected blood - for example during intravenous substance use. The virus is found in semen, vaginal and anal secretions and blood. Transmission from mother to child can occur during pregnancy, during childbirth or through breastfeeding. In countries with inadequate medical standards, there is also an increased risk of HIV transmission through unsafe blood products. However, infection via the oral mucosa, for example through kissing or oral sex, is very unlikely.
Generally speaking, anyone can be infected with HIV, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender.
Symptoms and Clinical Picture
Shortly after an HIV infection, the virus multiplies rapidly in the body. Mild, flu-like symptoms often occur during this phase. These include fever, tiredness or swollen lymph nodes, which usually subside on their own after a few weeks. In response, the immune system produces antibodies against HIV, which can be detected in the blood after a few weeks. This is followed by a symptom-free phase lasting several months or even years. Although there are no symptoms, the virus remains active: it continues to multiply and gradually damages the immune system. As the disease progresses, serious infections or certain tumor diseases develop, which can lead to death. Only when these typical concomitant diseases occur and the criteria of the AIDS definition are met, is the patient said to be in the AIDS stage.
Thanks to modern drug therapies, however, there is now a good chance that the immune system will remain stable - especially with early diagnosis and consistent treatment. Nevertheless, HIV remains a serious, potentially life-threatening disease if treatment is not carried out correctly and on a long-term basis. Prevention and regular testing are therefore essential.
How Can I Protect Myself Against HIV?
The correct use of high-quality condoms in the right size offers reliable protection against HIV infection. Alternatively, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) can also be taken. These are tablets that HIV-negative people can take for prevention. If you are interested in PrEP therapy, we will be happy to advise you during a PrEP appointment. In addition, the shared use of syringes and injection needles should be avoided.
If unprotected sexual intercourse has occurred with a person whose HIV status is unknown or who is living with HIV and is not undergoing consistent treatment, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can be administered if necessary. This medication should be taken as soon as possible (preferably within 6 hours, possible up to a maximum of 48 hours) after an HIV risk, so that an infection can be prevented at best. However, this method is not recommended as long-term prevention, but as an emergency measure.
Treatment Options for HIV
HIV cannot be cured and is therefore a chronic disease. It therefore requires lifelong, consistent treatment with antiretroviral medication. According to current medical knowledge, these are generally well tolerated and cause hardly any side effects. However, early HIV diagnosis and treatment is crucial: the sooner the infection is detected and treated, the less damage is done to the immune system. In addition, successful treatment can reduce the viral load to such an extent that infection is no longer possible. Because: undetectable = not transmissible! This means that these people cannot transmit HIV during unprotected anal or vaginal intercourse.