Read the stories of people living with HIV
Celicia
Erik
Emre
Kai
Lucy
Carsten
What many people don’t know
HIV is a virus that can be passed on through sex without a condom or through blood. HIV can be treated well with medication (HIV treatment). With this medication, a person living with HIV can grow old just as healthily as someone without HIV.
U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable
With HIV treatment, the virus becomes undetectable in the blood after 3 to 6 months.
When HIV is undetectable, it cannot be passed on. Not even through sex without a condom. This is called U = U: Undetectable = Untransmittable.
The real problem? Stigma
People living with HIV are still often given a negative label. This leads to prejudice, distance and misunderstanding — in their surroundings, in healthcare, and in the media.
That label causes more harm than the virus itself.
What is stigma?
Stigma is a negative label placed on people. People living with HIV often experience stigma, for example because of prejudice, lack of knowledge, and incorrect ideas.
Stigma can lead to:
- not taking medication properly, for example out of fear that others will find out
- more stress and feelings of loneliness
- less contact with healthcare and support services
You can make a difference
You can help stop HIV stigma:
- Talk openly and respectfully about HIV
- Share correct and clear information
- Speak up when you hear prejudice
- A person is always more than just an HIV label
How can you prevent getting or passing on HIV?
Use a condom during sex
Make sure to use condoms when you have sex. If you find it difficult to talk about condoms, visit the Sense website
Use PrEP
PrEP is a pill you take before sex to prevent HIV infection. If you are a man who has sex without a condom with other men, consider using PrEP
Use PEP after sex
PEP is a pill you can take within 72 hours after possible exposure to HIV, for example after sex without a condom. PEP is available through public health services or emergency care. For more details, visit PEP
Get tested regularly for HIV
If you have unprotected sex with different partners or with people who have a higher risk of HIV, get tested regularly for HIV through your doctor or public health services. Discuss with your doctor how often you should get tested.
Take medication if you have HIV
If you are living with HIV and take your medication, the virus becomes undetectable in your blood after 3 to 6 months. At that point, you cannot pass on HIV, even during sex without a condom. Make sure to take your medication every day and have regular check-ups at the hospital.