General information, not a diagnosis Method and limitations

Fact sheetVirus

HIV infection

HIV reaches the immune system. An HIV infection and the AIDS stage are not synonymous.

Documentary Enrichment: · General information

Essentials

Infection targeting the immune system, controlled by antiretroviral treatment but without common healing to date.

Agent
Human immunodeficiency virus
Transmission or exposure
Blood and fluids · Sexual use · Materno-infant transmission

Situation and vulnerability

Transmission includes some sexual contact, blood and parent-child transmission. Ordinary social contacts do not transmit HIV.

Signs and limits of their interpretation

A recent infection may be silent or cause signs similar to a common viral infection. Neither a fever nor its absence makes it possible to know its status. AIDS is an advanced stage of infection; it is not synonymous with any diagnosis of HIV.

Diagnosis and monitoring

A reactive result should be confirmed according to the diagnostic path. After a recent exposure, the time and type of test determine the scope of a negative result. Treatment monitoring measures the viral load and organizes the prevention of complications.

Check these benchmarks in the WHO reference →

Prevention and care

Preservatives, sterile equipment, screening, PrEP and antiretroviral treatment respond to different situations. A recent exposure requires a rapid assessment.

Practical issues

What does an undetectable viral load mean?

Under effective treatment, an undetectable viral load prevents the sexual transmission of HIV. This principle does not replace monitoring and does not protect other sexually transmitted infections.

Do regular daily contacts transmit HIV?

No. Kisses, handshakes and meal sharing do not transmit HIV. A long-lasting viral load undetectable under treatment prevents sexual transmission.

Preparing for an exchange with a professional

  • Date of exposure and type of test performed
  • Full result and delay since exposure
  • Treatment or prevention already used, with dates

Bring the full minutes and dates. This information facilitates evaluation; its collection must not delay an urgent appeal.

Individual decisionThe choice of a test, treatment or prevention depends on the local situation and recommendations. In case of distress, call 911.
A research workspace with microscope, storage box and non-identifiable documents. AI-generated illustration.
Prevention illustration — Infection à VIH — A research workspace with microscope, storage box and non-identifiable documents.
Image generated by artificial intelligence. AI illustration; it does not depict a disease, biological agent or diagnosis.

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Related fact sheets

These sheets share ways or contexts of exhibition in our catalogue. This reconciliation does not establish a differential diagnosis.

Compare HIV Infection with Associated Files →

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Further reading

These publications help you verify the concepts discussed. Disease records and directory entries each identify their sources.

The content modification date does not mean that every source has undergone a new medical review. Verification method and scope.