HIV Testing & Treatment

What is the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)?

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is an autoimmune condition that occurs due to an attack on the body’s immune system. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) arises due to an advanced form of the disease during the late stages of infection.

HIV is a virus that causes severe damage to the immune system. It targets and destroys white blood cells, which play a crucial role in fighting infectious diseases. Due to the sudden weakening of the immune system, it's easier to become sick with infections, tuberculosis, and some types of cancer.

HIV spreads through infected body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluid and breast milk.

What is HIV testing?

There are different ways to test for HIV, one of which is a rapid antigen test that involves pricking the finger to extract a few drops of blood. A rapid test is quick, allowing you to access the results immediately. Another option is to draw blood and transfer the samples to the laboratory, where they're analysed to check for HIV. If a blood sample is transferred to the laboratory, it can take a few days to receive the results.

A Nucleic Acid Test (NAT) detects an HIV infection between ten and thirty-three days after exposure. It is performed in a laboratory setting by removing blood from a vein in the arm.

If the finger prick test comes out positive, a blood sample will need to be followed up to confirm the results.


How do you treat HIV?

Currently, there's no cure for HIV. The viral infection can be treated with antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), which help prevent replication of the virus in the body.

Speak to a healthcare professional immediately if you think you’ve been exposed within the last 72 hours. A clinician can advise whether or not pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) should be taken. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a form of medication taken for those at high risk of contracting HIV from unprotected sex, injection drug use and accidental pricks.

FAQ

1What is a window period?
At the time of the window period, the results of an HIV test can turn out to be negative even when the person has HIV. This refers to the period from exposure to when the body produces sufficient antibodies.
2What does antiretroviral therapy aim to achieve?
  • Suppress the viral load.
  • Protect current immune function.
  • Drastically minimise the risk of opportunistic infections
3What are the advantages of using ARVs?
ARVs lower the capacity of the HIV virus from further multiplying and harming CD4 cells.
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