HIV & AIDS – Transmission, Symptoms, Protection & Treatment

 

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is one of the most well-known sexually transmitted infections that attacks the immune system and, if left untreated, can lead to AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome). Thanks to modern therapies, HIV infection is now easily treatable, allowing people with HIV to lead almost normal lives.

Important facts about HIV & AIDS:

• HIV and AIDS are not the same thing! HIV is the virus and AIDS is the advanced stage of the disease.
• Early treatment with antiretroviral drugs can prevent HIV from leading to AIDS.
• U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable – People with HIV who are successfully treated do not pass on the virus.
• PrEP & PEP – medications can protect against infection.

Despite major medical advances, prevention is still crucial – condoms and regular testing are the best protection. For more information on sexually transmitted infections and protective measures , take a look at our overview.

HIV transmission routes: How do you get infected?

HIV is transmitted through direct contact with infectious bodily fluids. These include:

• Blood
• Semen & pre-ejaculate
• Vaginal fluid
• Breast milk

The virus enters the body when these fluids come into contact with susceptible mucous membranes (e.g., in the vagina, penis, rectum, or mouth) or when it enters the bloodstream through small injuries.

It is important to note: there is no risk from everyday contact! HIV cannot be transmitted through kissing, hugging, shaking hands, sharing toilets, cutlery, or glasses.

How do men become infected with HIV?

HIV can affect anyone, but certain risk factors increase the likelihood of infection.

The most common routes of transmission are:

• Unprotected sexual intercourse (vaginal, anal, oral) – anal intercourse in particular carries a higher risk, as the intestinal mucosa is particularly sensitive.
• Sharing syringes or needles – e.g., when using drugs or getting tattoos/piercings under unsanitary conditions.
• Transmission from mother to child – during birth or through breastfeeding (in the case of untreated HIV infection).
• Blood contact – through unclean medical instruments or blood transfusions (in countries with poor medical standards).

Why is the risk higher for queer people?

Statistically, the risk of infection is higher among men who have sex with men (MSM). This is due to several factors:

• Higher probability of infection during anal intercourse – the sensitive intestinal mucosa is more susceptible to minor injuries.
• Larger networks & more partners – the risk increases with the number of unprotected contacts.
• More frequent STI infections – sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or syphilis increase the risk of HIV infection.

Important: Anyone can become infected with HIV! Heterosexual individuals are also at risk if they have unprotected sex or other risk factors exist. Safer sex and regular testing protect you!

HIV symptoms & possible consequences

HIV progresses in several stages and can go unnoticed for years. Without treatment, the virus gradually weakens the immune system until AIDS develops – the final stage of the disease, in which the body is no longer able to fight off infections or diseases.

How long can you live with HIV without noticing?

Many people have mild or no symptoms in the first few weeks after infection, so they do not notice they have been infected. However, the immune system begins to fight the virus early on.

Without treatment, it can take years or even decades for the immune system to become so weakened that serious symptoms appear. During this time, HIV often remains undetected – and those affected can unknowingly pass on the virus.

Initial HIV symptoms: Acute infection

Shortly after infection – usually 2 to 6 weeks later – an acute HIV infection may occur. This is similar to the flu or glandular fever and lasts from a few days to a few weeks.

Typical signs are:

• Fever & night sweats – often persistent and without apparent cause
• Skin rash (HIV rash) – usually reddish spots on the upper body
• Fatigue & swollen lymph nodes – especially in the groin, under the armpits, or on the neck
• Sore throat & muscle pain – flu-like symptoms

Since these symptoms are nonspecific, HIV often goes undiagnosed – many people mistake it for a cold or other infection.

How does HIV manifest itself in women?

Women can have the same symptoms as men, but there are additional signs that are often overlooked:

• Irregular or heavier menstrual bleeding – hormonal changes due to a weakened immune system
• Frequent yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis – due to disturbed vaginal flora
• Weakness and weight loss – can result from the body's increased energy consumption
• HIV: Progression of the infection & long-term effects

If HIV remains untreated, it begins to silently destroy the immune system. After the acute phase, there are often no symptoms for years – until the immune system eventually becomes too weak to fight off diseases.

Late symptoms of HIV infection can include:

• Chronic diarrhea & severe weight loss
• Fungal infections in the mouth (thrush) or esophagus
• Recurrent fever & persistent night sweats
• Skin rashes & non-healing wounds

Without treatment, HIV can develop into AIDS – the stage at which the body has almost no immune defenses left. This leads to life-threatening infections that the body can no longer fight off.

But thanks to modern therapies, this no longer needs to be the case. HIV-positive people who receive timely treatment can lead an almost normal life and have a normal life expectancy.

HIV prevention: What is the best way to protect yourself?

HIV is incurable, but very preventable! The best protection is a combination of safer sex, medical precautions, and regular testing.

Condoms & protective measures

Condoms provide a simple, but effective barrier to prevent transmission through bodily fluids. When the condom is used correctly, they significantly reduce the risk of infection.

• Condoms during vaginal and anal intercourse – prevent direct contact with bodily fluids and significantly reduce the risk of infection.
• Don't underestimate oral sex – the risk is lower, but it is still present, especially if you have small wounds in your mouth or bleeding gums.
• Use sex toys safely – either cover them with a fresh condom or clean them thoroughly to prevent transmission.

Condoms, such as Wingman condoms, not only protect against HIV, but also against other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia.

PrEP & PEP – Medical protection against HIV

In addition to condoms, there are now medicinal protection options that significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection.

PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)

• A medication for HIV prevention that is taken daily.
• Particularly effective for people at increased risk of HIV (e.g., those who frequently change partners, men who have sex with men, sex workers).
• Reduces the risk of infection by up to 99% when taken regularly.

PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis)

• Emergency medication used after a possible HIV risk (e.g., unprotected sex or a torn condom).
• Must be started within 72 hours of the risk exposure – the sooner it's taken, the more effective it is!
• Treatment lasts 28 days and significantly reduces the risk of infection.

PrEP & PEP are important additions to condoms, but do not replace them. They protect against HIV, but not against other sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or syphilis.

HIV testing, treatment & cure

An HIV test is the only way to reliably detect an infection. Since HIV often remains asymptomatic for years, the virus can spread unnoticed in the body. Early diagnosis is crucial in order to start treatment quickly and prevent transmission.

How is HIV tested?

There are various test methods for detecting HIV infection:

• Laboratory test (antibody & antigen test) – the most reliable method, accurate after 6 weeks.
• Rapid test (self-test or doctor's visit) – results within a few minutes, but not as accurate as a laboratory test.

Anyone who has been at risk should definitely get tested – early diagnosis significantly improves treatment options and prevents the virus from being passed on unknowingly.

Is HIV reportable?

Yes, an HIV diagnosis must be reported anonymously to the health department, but without mentioning names. This report serves to record infection rates and improve prevention measures.

Is HIV curable today?

No, HIV is not curable, but thanks to modern antiretroviral therapy (ART), it can be treated very effectively. The drugs prevent the virus from multiplying in the body and keep the viral load so low that the immune system remains protected.

Early treatment = normal life expectancy! People who take medication regularly can lead an almost normal life without the infection destroying their immune system.

U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable

Thanks to modern HIV therapies, the viral load in the blood can be reduced to such an extent that it is no longer detectable with standard tests.

• People with HIV who receive successful therapy can no longer transmit the virus through sex – even without a condom!
• U=U helps to reduce stigma and enables HIV-positive people to lead a normal social and love life.

HIV & pregnancy – protection for mother & child

Thanks to medical advances, HIV-positive women can now have healthy babies without passing on the virus.

• Medication reduces the risk of transmission to less than 1%.
• The birth usually takes place by caesarean section to further minimize the risk.
• Breastfeeding should be avoided, as HIV can be transmitted through breast milk.

Regular medical care during pregnancy is crucial to protect mother and child as best as possible!

HIV & social challenges

Despite medical advances, people with HIV still face stigma and discrimination. Yet an HIV diagnosis is no longer a death sentence—those who receive treatment can lead an almost normal life and do not pass on the virus.

• Education and open dialogue help to break down prejudices and enable HIV-positive people to live self-determined lives.
• Thanks to modern therapy, HIV-positive people have a near-normal life expectancy – the virus can be controlled.
• Fear and ignorance are the biggest barriers – the more people know about HIV, the better they can protect themselves and others.

Protect yourself from HIV & AIDS 

Thanks to modern medicine, HIV is controllable, but not curable. The best prevention is safer sex, regular testing, and medical protective measures such as PrEP & PEP.

• Use condoms and get tested regularly.
• Consider PrEP or PEP as an additional protective measure.
• Test & treat early – that's how to keep HIV under control!

Practice safe sex and try the Wingman sample pack – maximum protection and comfort, quick and easy with just one hand!