HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that specifically attacks cells of the immune system—primarily CD4-positive T-helper cells. If left untreated, it can lead to a progressive weakening of the immune defenses. The later stage of the disease is called AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) and is characterized by severe so-called opportunistic infections or certain tumors.

Today, HIV is highly treatable. With consistently taken antiretroviral therapy (ART), the viral load can be reduced to an undetectable level. This protects your health and prevents sexual transmission (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable). HIV has thus become a chronic, well-controlled infection. A complete cure is currently not generally available.

Why early diagnosis is important

The earlier HIV is detected, the sooner effective therapy can begin. This reduces the risk of complications, prevents long-term damage, and breaks chains of transmission. Regular STI screenings are recommended if you have changing sexual partners or are unsure after a risky situation.

Frequency & relevance

HIV affects people of all genders and walks of life. Prevention, testing, and therapy are the three central pillars for protecting your sexual health—regardless of sexual orientation or relationship style. Knowledge and regular testing help reduce uncertainty and encourage responsibility for yourself and your partners.

In the first weeks after infection, HIV often causes nonspecific symptoms. This acute HIV phase usually begins 2–6 weeks after exposure and subsides after a few days to weeks. This is often followed by a longer period with few or no symptoms. Only a test can reliably show whether an infection is present.

Early (acute) symptoms

• Fever, night sweats, pronounced feeling of illness
• Sore throat and joint pain, muscle aches
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Skin rash, occasionally sore spots in the mouth
• Fatigue, headaches

These symptoms resemble a flu-like infection or mononucleosis and are therefore easily overlooked.

Later signs

• Prolonged lymph node swelling
• Recurring infections (e.g., fungal infections)
• Weight loss, drop in performance

Special features

Symptoms do not reliably differ by sex. Some people have few or no symptoms at all. Therefore, do not rely on the absence of symptoms, but on testing within the correct time window. If you have persistent fever, severe illness, or feel very unwell, please contact a medical practice or emergency service.

HIV is transmitted when enough virus is present in certain body fluids and comes into contact with mucous membranes or blood. Relevant fluids are: blood, semen (including pre-ejaculate), vaginal fluid, and breast milk. Saliva, sweat, or tears are not considered sources of transmission in everyday situations.

Common routes of transmission

• Vaginal or anal sex without a condom/dental dam
• Sharing needles/syringes (e.g., during drug use)
• Pregnancy/birth/breastfeeding without accompanying therapy

No risk in everyday life

• Kissing, hugging, shaking hands
• Sharing dishes, toilets, swimming pools
• Insect bites

What reduces the risk?

• Use condoms and dental dams correctly and consistently
• PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV-negative people at increased risk
• PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) within 48–72 hours after a risk exposure
• Regular STI tests if you have changing partners

With effective HIV therapy and a undetectable viral load, HIV is not transmitted during sex (U=U). This is well-established medically and helps destigmatize those affected.

Only a test can reliably detect or rule out HIV. The correct testing window is crucial because the body needs time to produce measurable markers.

Types of tests

• Laboratory test (combination antigen/antibody, 4th generation): Highly reliable from approximately 6 weeks after a risk event. Detects p24 antigen and antibodies.
• Rapid test/POC test (antibody-based): Result in approximately 20 minutes, reliable exclusion usually possible from 12 weeks after contact.
• HIV PCR (NAT): Very early viral load measurement; can become positive earlier (sometimes 1–2 weeks). Used selectively (e.g., during PEP monitoring), but is not a standard screening test.
• Self-test: Antibody test for home use. A 12-week interval is usually necessary for a reliable negative result.

When to test?

• After unprotected sex or needlestick injury
• In case of acute symptoms, 2–6 weeks after exposure
• Regularly with different partners (e.g. every 3–6 months)

Where to test?

• General practitioner/HIV specialist practices, public health departments, checkpoints
• Certified home tests or medically supervised laboratory tests via submission

Important: If you suspect you are at increased risk, contact a doctor's office or emergency room to discuss PEP (ideally within 48 hours, up to a maximum of 72 hours). A positive result should always be confirmed by a laboratory and evaluated by a doctor.

HIV is currently not curable, but very well treatable. The standard treatment is antiretroviral therapy (ART), usually a combination of two to three agents (e.g., integrase, nucleoside, or NNRTI inhibitors). Modern regimens are well tolerated and often available as a single-tablet therapy; there are also long-acting depot preparations that are injected at longer intervals.

Therapy goals

• Viral load → undetectable (protect your own health, no risk of sexual transmission: U=U)
• Stabilize CD4 cells and strengthen the immune system
• Prevent complications and comorbidities

Start and course of therapy

ART is now usually started early—regardless of symptoms. Before starting, a medical baseline assessment is performed (including viral load, CD4, hepatitis status, other STIs). Adherence (taking medication regularly) is crucial. Side effects are possible, but usually mild and manageable; if there are problems, regimens can be adjusted.

Prospects for a cure

A few documented cases of cure after special procedures (e.g., stem cell transplantation) are not transferable to general care. Research on functional cures and vaccine development is ongoing; for now, ART remains the reliable standard therapy.

Without treatment, HIV progresses and weakens the immune system. The risk increases for opportunistic infections (e.g., Pneumocystis pneumonia), fungal infections (including candidiasis), certain cancers (e.g., Kaposi’s sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphomas), and other conditions (e.g., wasting syndrome). In addition, chronic inflammation can raise cardiovascular and metabolic risks.

Warning signs that require medical evaluation

• Persistent fever, significant weight loss
• Recurring, unusually severe infections
• Pronounced lymph node swelling, night sweats

Therapy prevents long-term damage

With an early diagnosis and consistent ART, these consequences can usually be prevented. Regular check-ups (viral load, CD4) and vaccinations as recommended by your doctor (e.g., against hepatitis A/B) are standard. Supporting health factors such as quitting smoking, exercise, a balanced diet, and mental health also contribute to treatment success.

If you notice severe or persistent symptoms, please seek medical advice promptly—especially if you've had a risk event or are still awaiting a test result.

Effective prevention combines safer sex strategies, knowledge of testing windows, and—if at higher risk—medication-based protection options. What matters is that prevention fits your needs and can be realistically maintained in daily life.

Safer sex

• Use condoms correctly for vaginal and anal sex; consider risk before oral sex.
• Dental dams for oral-vaginal/oral-anal contact.
• Water- or silicone-based lubricant reduces microtears.

Medication options

• PrEP: For HIV-negative people at higher risk; regular testing (HIV, kidney function, and possibly other STIs) and coordinate the dosing schedule with your healthcare provider.
• PEP: Emergency measure within 48–72 hours after a risk; usually lasts 28 days, requires medical evaluation.

Other protective factors

• Do not share syringes/needles.
• Regular STI screenings depending on sexual behavior (e.g., every 3–6 months).
• Open communication in relationships and with sexual partners.

With effective treatment, U=U applies: An undetectable viral load prevents sexual transmission. This reduces fear and stigma and enables self-determined, safe sexuality.

With modern therapy, people with HIV can now live long, healthy, and fulfilling lives – including relationships, family planning, and sports. Reliable medical care and a therapy that suits you are key.

Daily life & relationships

• U=U allows for sex without fear of transmission when the viral load is consistently undetectable.
• Open, respectful communication with partners builds trust; share information at your own pace.
• Psychosocial support (counseling, peer groups) can provide relief after diagnosis.

Mental health

An HIV diagnosis can be emotionally challenging. It's normal to feel uncertain, angry, or sad. Accepting help is a sign of strength. Talking with psychologists or counselors can help with anxiety, stigma, or relationship issues.

Staying healthy

• Take your therapy consistently and keep your follow-up appointments.
• Pay attention to your vaccination status, dental health, and cardiovascular risk factors.
• Balanced diet, exercise, and enough sleep.

If you have acute symptoms or side effects, please see a doctor. You are not alone – there is a strong network of care and support available.