The first F stands for "Flu-like symptoms," which is characteristic of the early stage when the virus enters the body and starts replicating. Then second F is when the patient "Feels fine" during the clinically latent stage, in which the immune system acts and the amount of virus in the blood declines. Even though there are no symptoms, the virus is slowly chipping away the immune system. When CD4+ T cell numbers drop low enough, the patient starts to feel symptoms. This stage is marked by the third F, "Falling count." And lastly, there’s the "Final crisis," where the HIV infection progresses to AIDS, putting the patient at high risk of AIDS-defining illnesses.

We’re all uniquely affected by HIV stigma. Thankfully, there are ways to help combat it. One of the most important things is to educate oneself on the facts and realities of HIV and AIDS. Learning more about the virus and its progression can help reduce fear and misconceptions and make it easier to talk about the subject without judgment or assumptions. ⁠ ⁠ It is important to remember that the virus is not the person. HIV and AIDS can affect anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or social status. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on ways to avoid the virus and not the person. This includes practicing safer sex habits, taking PrEP or HIV medication, testing regularly, and using barriers. ⁠ ⁠ By following these steps, we can help reduce the stigma associated with HIV/AIDS and create a more supportive and understanding environment for those affected.⁠ ⁠

Does AIDS come first or HIV?

HIV-positive women who are on treatment and have a stable undetectable viral load have a 1-2% chance of transmitting HIV to their baby if they breastfeed for 12 months.

It's S*xual Health Awareness month so it's a good opportunity to stop and reflect on what s*xual health actually means. So often we think about this part of our health as the absence of disease, i.e. getting tested to check for STIs, but it's so much more than that. The World Health Organisation #WHO defines s*xual health as: "... a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to s*xuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity. S*xual health requires a positive and respectful approach to s*xuality and s*xual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe s*xual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. For s*xual health to be attained and maintained, the s*xual rights of all persons must be respected, protected and fulfilled."

Will condoms protect from AIDS?

I'm HIV positive 😔😔 dunno what to do.. how to deal with that Did it happen with someone you know? How did they cope? Thanks