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HIV: FACTS
HIV:FACTS
Here you will find clearly explained information about HIV and AIDS. It includes current developments, background information and facts – scientifically sound and presented in an easy-to-understand way.
What is HIV?
The abbreviation HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. It attacks the immune system, particularly the so-called CD4 cells, which are crucial for fighting off diseases. Without treatment, HIV progressively weakens the body until it can no longer defend itself against infections and certain types of cancer. HIV can be suppressed with medication, allowing those affected to live long, healthy lives and preventing them from transmitting the virus. Source: https://www.who.int/health-topics/hiv-aids
What is AIDS?
AIDS is the abbreviation for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. It refers to the end stage of an untreated HIV infection. In this phase, the immune system is so weakened that even mild infections can become life-threatening. Thanks to modern HIV therapies, the onset of AIDS can now be prevented in most cases. Source: https://www.bag.admin.ch/de/aids-de
What is PrEP?
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) involves taking HIV medication preventively to significantly reduce the risk of infection. It is particularly suitable for people at increased risk of HIV, such as those with multiple sexual partners or in relationships where only one partner is HIV-positive. PrEP must be taken regularly or according to a fixed dosing schedule. Source: https://www.swissprepared.ch/de/frequently-asked-questions/
What is PEP?
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency treatment that can prevent HIV infection if started within 48 hours of potential exposure to the virus. It consists of taking HIV medication for several weeks and is frequently used after needlestick injuries, unprotected sex, or other high-risk situations. Source: https://www.cpzh.ch/angebote/pep/
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV infection is primarily transmitted through unprotected sex, sharing needles, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. The virus is present in bodily fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal secretions, and breast milk. Source: https://www.hivandmore.de/hiv-informationen/uebertragung.shtml
How can HIV not be transmitted?
HIV cannot be transmitted through everyday touching, hugs, kisses, sharing toilets, or utensils. The virus does not survive long outside the body and is not transmitted through saliva, sweat, or tears. Source: https://www.hivandmore.de/hiv-informationen/uebertragung.shtml
Can HIV be cured?
To date, a complete cure for HIV is not possible. However, current therapies suppress the virus so effectively that it can no longer multiply. Intensive research into cures is being conducted worldwide, for example, through gene therapies or medications that could eliminate the viral reservoirs hidden in the body. Source: https://www.aidshilfe.de/de/forschung#Forschung_zur_HIV-Heilung
Living with HIV
Thanks to consistent treatment, people living with HIV can now lead almost normal lives. The medications prevent the virus from multiplying in the body and strengthen the immune system. Furthermore, successful therapy reduces the risk of transmission to zero. Regular medical checkups are crucial for the success of the treatment. Source: https://www.liebesleben.de/fuer-alle/hiv-aids/leben-mit-hiv/
The HIV test
Ein HIV-Test ist der einzige Weg, um eine Infektion sicher festzustellen. Moderne Tests können das Virus bereits wenige Wochen nach einer möglichen Ansteckung nachweisen. Ein frühzeitiger Test ermöglicht einen schnellen Behandlungsbeginn, schützt die Gesundheit und verhindert die Weitergabe des Virus. Quelle: https://aids.ch/wissen/hiv/testen/
What does U=U mean?
U=U stands for "Undetectable = Untransmittable." People who consistently take their HIV medication and achieve an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus during sex. This understanding has reduced stigma worldwide and opened up new life perspectives for those affected. Source: https://www.unaids.org/en/resources/presscentre/featurestories/2018/july/undetectable-untransmittable
HIV today in Zimbabwe
Although Zimbabwe has a high HIV prevalence rate, the situation has improved in recent decades. Thanks to better healthcare, education, and access to medication, the number of new infections has decreased significantly. Nevertheless, HIV treatment and prevention remain a major challenge, particularly in rural areas. Source: https://www.unaids.org/en/regionscountries/countries/zimbabwe
HIV today in Switzerland
An estimated 17,000 people are living with HIV in Switzerland. Thanks to modern therapies, many are now healthy and active. If medication is taken consistently, they can no longer transmit the virus. Around 300 new infections are reported annually, most of them through unprotected sex. Source: https://aids.ch/wissen/themen/daten-hiv-aids/
History of HIV
HIV was identified in the early 1980s after unusual clusters of severe infections among young men were observed in the US and other countries. Researchers were able to isolate the virus for the first time in 1983. Since then, medical research has made enormous progress in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Source: https://www.swr.de/swrkultur/wissen/hiv-und-aids-geschichte-einer-pandemie-102.html
Stigma and discrimination
Trotz medizinischer Fortschritte leiden Menschen mit HIV noch immer unter Vorurteilen und Diskriminierung. Um Stigmata abzubauen und Betroffenen ein selbstbestimmtes Leben zu ermöglichen, sind Aufklärung, persönliche Begegnungen und die Vermittlung aktueller wissenschaftlicher Erkenntnisse entscheidend. Quelle: https://dgvn.de/meldung/zwischen-anhaltender-stigmatisierung-und-medizinischem-durchbruch