HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It is a treatable, long-term condition. With the right treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives. Around one in 10 people living with HIV are unaware of their status.
HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. When treated properly, it cannot be passed on to others. If not treated properly, HIV can become serious. Over time, the immune system can weaken, making it harder for the body to fight infections and some cancers.
Some people with HIV may feel unwell soon after getting the virus. This can feel like a flu‑like illness.
Common early symptoms can include:
These symptoms usually only last a few weeks and then resolve, even though the infection is still present.
Because the symptoms can be mild or look like other common illnesses, many people don’t realise they have HIV. That is why testing is important, even if you feel okay.
HIV is not spread through everyday contact. You cannot get HIV from:
Regular testing is important. It helps detect HIV early so treatment can start, and it helps prevent passing HIV on to others.
Getting tested for HIV is easy, private, and can be done in a few different ways.
Visit a sexual health clinic. Testing is often free or low cost
Order a free test online from HIV Self Testing Australia
Online sexual health testing with minimal waiting time.
After a virus or a bacteria enters the body, it takes time for tests to show a positive result.
This time is called the window period. This time is called the window period. The window period can be anywhere from a couple of weeks to a couple of months, depending on the infection, and on the health of the individual. Learn more here.
During the window period:
Most tests accurately detect an infection after the window period has passed.
HIV treatment has come a long way. With the right treatment, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives.
Treatment also protects others by preventing HIV from being passed on.
Antiretroviral therapy, often called ART, is the standard treatment for HIV.
ART is recommended for everyone diagnosed with HIV.
ART works by stopping the virus from multiplying in the body. This helps keep the immune system strong and supports long‑term health.
ART is usually taken every day in tablet form. People take one or more tablets per day depending on the medication prescribed.
When ART is taken as prescribed, it can reduce the amount of virus in the body to undetectable levels, which means HIV cannot be passed on.
Long-acting injectable HIV treatment is available for eligible people whose HIV is well controlled and viral load is suppressed.
Instead of taking daily tablets, treatment is given as injections every two months by a healthcare professional.
It may be a suitable option for people who prefer not to take daily medication, want a more discreet treatment approach, have difficulty swallowing tablets, or would like greater flexibility when travelling.
Eligibility is determined by a doctor and discussed as part of your ongoing HIV care.
Read more here.
Some of the best ways to protect yourself and others from HIV include:
using condoms, lube and barrier methods.
if you think you might be at risk.
needles, syringes or other injecting equipment .
for HIV and other STIs.
as prescribed, to prevent passing HIV on to others (U=U).
PEP is an emergency medication that can reduce your risk of getting HIV if taken within the first three days after a possible exposure.
PEP needs to be started as soon as possible, and within 72 hours to work. It is available from GPs, sexual health clinics, and hospital emergency departments.
PEP is a tablet that is taken every day for 28 days.
Before starting PEP, you will be tested for HIV. You will also be tested again after finishing the course. There is no HIV test during the 28 days of PEP, as results during this time are not accurate.
Your healthcare provider will explain the process and support you through it.
PrEP is available as a tablet and can be prescribed by a GP or sexual health clinic. It can be taken daily or, for some people, on demand around the time of sex.
Whether PrEP is right for you can depend on lots of things, including:
There are different ways to take PrEP.
Daily PrEP is the most common option. It’s suitable for:
On‑demand PrEP is taken around the time of sex. Because it needs to be started at least two hours before sex, it works best for people who can plan ahead. If sex is often spontaneous, daily PrEP may be a better choice. It may be suitable for some men who have sex with men, especially if they’ve had side effects from daily PrEP.
Due to limited evidence of effectiveness. It’s not recommended for
It’s important to understand what’s involved in taking PrEP and to take it as prescribed. A doctor or nurse can help you work out whether PrEP is right for you and which option suits you best.
If you don’t have Medicare, you can still access free PrEP through Tasmanian Sexual Health Services (Clinic 60, 34 and 23). You’ll need to call to make a booking.
U=U means that when a person living with HIV takes their treatment as prescribed and their viral load becomes undetectable, they cannot pass on HIV through sex.
U=U is supported by strong scientific evidence and recognised worldwide. More than a HIV prevention message, it has been life-changing for many people living with HIV and their partners, supporting health, confidence and strong relationships while helping to reduce stigma and misconceptions about HIV.
We provide practical support, trusted information, advocacy, referrals, and connection to services to help people affected by HIV and viral hepatitis to live well and stay informed.
TasCAHRD may be able to provide assistance to people living with HIV. Conditions apply.
TasCAHRD can provide referrals for HIV peer support services for people living with HIV.
HIV medications can only be prescribed by approved medical practitioners, known as s100 prescribers.
Order a free test online.
PrEP protects you from HIV. It is a medicine you take before and after sex.
We are here to answer your questions and support you. Call or chat with us online.
For more information or help working out which type of support it right for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Please fill in the form below to reach out for our support, including medical, financial and housing assistance.
Alternatively, call us on (03) 6234 1242 or email at support@tascahrd.org.au.