HIV: how is it transmitted and can it be prevented?

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is transmitted from a person who has it only through certain body fluids. These include blood, semen, genital and intestinal discharge. HIV can only be transmitted when these fluids come into contact with mucous membranes, damaged body tissue, or when they are directly injected into the bloodstream (through a needle). HIV can also be transmitted from an HIV-infected woman to her child during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding, but women with HIV can give birth to healthy children.

However, you cannot get HIV through a handshake or hug, or through contact with household items such as toilet seats, door handles or utensils used by someone with HIV.

Anyone can get HIV, and modern medical science offers a wide range of ways to prevent yourself and others from getting infected. 

1. HIV TESTING

Everyone should know their HIV status. Therefore, at least once a year you need to be tested - this service is free and confidential. You can get tested at your family doctor, in a trust office, in healthcare facilities or mobile testing units, if they are available in your locality. It is also important to talk about HIV testing with your partner and take it together before you have sex. You can find the most convenient testing point for you in the TESTporyuchu chatbot.

2. TAKING ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY

If you are HIV-positive, you must take antiretroviral therapy (ART) on a regular basis - it suppresses the reproduction of the immunodeficiency virus in the body and helps to restore the immune system. In a few months after regular use of ARV therapy, the viral load reaches a level that cannot be detected by tests. If this happens for 6 months or more, it means that you cannot transmit the virus to your sexual partner (this is a formula that scientists proved more than 10 years ago: ‘Undetectable = Not Transmissible’). ARVs are free of charge for the patient and must be taken for life, even if the viral load is no longer detectable by tests. 

3. USE OF BARRIER CONTRACEPTION (CONDOMS)

Both male and female condoms are available in a variety of materials, textures, colours, smells and flavours. You can choose the one that you and your partner prefer. It is very important to wear a condom before any sexual activity, as it is the most effective way to protect yourself from HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

4. PRE-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS (PREP)

PrEP is taking antiretroviral drugs to reduce the risk of HIV infection. If a person is at high risk of HIV infection, takes PrEP and uses condoms, they have more than 99% protection against sexual transmission of HIV. PrEP is taken orally every day according to a regimen prescribed by a doctor. PrEP is provided free of charge.

5. POST-EXPOSURE PROPHYLAXIS OF HIV (PEP)

One of the ways to prevent HIV infection is timely and correct use of post-exposure prophylaxis. According to the ‘Health Care Standards for Pre-exposure and Post-exposure Drug Prevention of HIV Infection’, antiretroviral drugs are prescribed shortly after possible exposure to the virus to prevent infection. PEP should be prescribed and taken as soon as possible, but no later than 72 hours after exposure to potentially transmissible HIV. It should only be used in an emergency. It is not intended for regular use. If you need post-exposure prophylaxis, go to the nearest health facility or ART site (where you can get ARVs) as soon as possible.

6. HIV testing during pregnancy

It is important to get tested for HIV as suggested by your doctor during pregnancy. Women with HIV can give birth to healthy children. The sooner you are diagnosed with HIV and start treatment, the more effective the medicines will be in preventing the transmission of the infection to your baby. Taking ARV therapy and maintaining an undetectable viral load during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding reduces the likelihood of mother-to-child transmission through breast milk to less than 1%.

7. REFUSAL FROM DRUGS

The best way to prevent HIV infection through drug use is to stop using drugs altogether. But if you do inject drugs, use only sterile syringes and needles, never share them with others, and do not use those that have been used by other people.

8. SAFE SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR

Try to avoid unsafe sexual behaviour (especially when you are using drugs). In these circumstances, you are more likely to have casual sex, so make sure that if you do, you have barrier contraception with you and know how to use it properly. 

HIV is a virus that attacks the human immune system. Medical science has not yet invented any medicines that would allow you to get rid of HIV infection - once a person is infected with HIV, it stays with them for life. Therefore, it is very important to follow certain rules that will help you and your partners prevent getting infected or transmitting HIV to others.