HIV/AIDS Specialists in Telangana
HIV/AIDS is caused by the human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks and gradually destroys the immune system's CD4 cells, leaving the body increasingly vulner…
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is HIV the same as AIDS?
No, HIV is the virus, and AIDS is the most advanced stage of untreated HIV infection; with modern antiretroviral therapy, most people with HIV never progress to AIDS.
Can HIV be cured?
There is currently no cure, but antiretroviral therapy suppresses the virus to undetectable levels, allowing people with HIV to live near-normal lifespans and preventing transmission to partners.
Can HIV spread through casual contact?
No, HIV does not spread through hugging, sharing food, or casual contact; it spreads only through specific bodily fluids like blood, semen, vaginal fluid, and breast milk.
What does undetectable equals untransmittable mean?
It means that when antiretroviral therapy suppresses HIV to an undetectable viral load, the virus cannot be sexually transmitted to a partner, which is why consistent treatment adherence matters both for personal health and prevention.
Should I get tested for HIV even without symptoms?
Yes, regular testing is recommended for anyone sexually active or with other risk factors, since early diagnosis allows treatment to start before significant immune damage occurs and prevents unknowing transmission to others.