Take the HIV Quiz Banner

Take the HIV Quiz

Answer: HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the immune system. The immune system protects the body from infections, cancers and other conditions. If a person has HIV and is not getting treatment, over time, they will become very sick and most people will die. If a person knows they are living with HIV and they take HIV medicine, they can live long, healthy lives.

Answer: HIV can be passed from one person to another:

  • During Sex: when a person puts their penis in another person’s anus or vagina.
  • By Sharing Needles: If a person shares any item used for injecting drugs.
  • During pregnancy, birth and breast-feeding: A pregnant person who is not taking HIV treatment can pass HIV to their baby during the pregnancy, when giving birth or through breast-feeding.

  • Use a condom every time you have sex.
  • Get a medicine called PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) from a health care provider.
  • Only use a new, sterile needle when injecting any substance.

If a person living with HIV is on treatment and has an undetectable viral load, they cannot pass HIV to a partner through sex.

Answer: Yes. Treatment for HIV is very effective and usually involves taking just one pill a day. The treatment is safe and most people will have no side effects.

Answer: HIV testing can be as simple as a finger prick or blood draw.