Published Date : 21 August, 2012
Nobody plans to get HIV and a new diagnosis can be a shock.
Finding out that you have HIV can also be an emotional and stressful time, but there are plenty of support services to help.
Published Date : 22 August, 2012
What is HIV?
HIV is a virus. HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. When HIV enters the bloodstream it attacks the immune system. It destroys immune cells, called CD4 or T cells, and makes copies of itself within these cells. This replication process can gradually destroy more and more T cells. When too many T cells are destroyed, the body can’t fight infections and diseases, which can lead to AIDS .
What is AIDS?
AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. AIDS refers to a combination of serious infections or diseases which can develop when a person’s T cells (immune system) have been harmed by HIV and they can no longer fight off infections. Over time, untreated HIV can cause AIDS to develop.
In Australia, AIDS is rare. However, if you have HIV and don’t find out, or if you remain untreated for a long time, you may be diagnosed with AIDS. Some of the AIDS illnesses may be reversed with treatment.
How is HIV treated?
There is no cure for HIV. However, good medications are available to prevent the virus growing. Treatment is usually one or two pills a day, is well tolerated, and strengthens the immune system by keeping the virus at such low levels in the blood it is considered undetectable.
When HIV is undetectable, it is still there but it doesn’t damage the body as much. Studies have shown that when a person has undetectable HIV, known as undetectable viral load, HIV is not transmitted to sexual partners, even without condoms. You are not required by law to tell partners about your HIV, but you must use ‘reasonable precautions’ such as condoms or being on effective treatment. See halc.org.au for more information.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV lives in body fluids, like blood, genital fluids and breast milk. When a person is not on HIV treatment, HIV can be passed from one person to another:
How is HIV not transmitted?
You cannot get HIV from sharing food, kissing and hugging, sharing a bed, mosquito bites or from using the same swimming pools, showers or toilets as someone with HIV.
HIV cannot survive for very long outside the body. If infected fluid has been exposed to the air for a while, it is unlikely that you could get HIV from it. For example, there are no known cases of people getting HIV from stepping on a used syringe or needle.
How can I prevent HIV infection?
Not everyone is aware they have HIV; in fact people who don’t know they have HIV are more likely to pass it on. .
You can avoid passing on or contracting HIV if the person with HIV is on effective treatment, or by using condoms when you have sex, by taking PrEP and not sharing injecting equipment.
Condoms are still recommended as the best protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. However, HIV treatment and maintaining a consistently undetectable viral load is just as effective as condoms at preventing the transmission of HIV.
Treatment reduces the amount of HIV in your body to undetectable levels, meaning sex is safer. Undetectable doesn’t mean the HIV has completely gone away – but it is in such small quantities that it will not be passed on to anyone else.
Many scientific studies have been done which show that no transmissions have taken place during sex where the HIV positive partner has an undetectable viral load, usually from being on effective HIV treatment.
PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) can be taken before a potential exposure. A prophylaxis is something which prevents the spread of an infection or disease. People who do not have HIV can take a pill daily to prevent getting HIV.
Always use new needles and syringes. In NSW there is a needle and syringe program (NSP) that provides sterile injecting equipment for free. Most pharmacies will swap used syringes for new ones or sell sterile equipment for a small fee. An Australia-wide directory of NSP services is available on the AIVL website.
Can I get HIV through oral sex?
Oral sex with an HIV positive woman (licking or sucking the vagina or vagina lips) is very safe in terms of HIV transmission. There have been no reliable reports of transmitting HIV this way. Likewise there is no risk of an HIV positive woman transmitting HIV by sucking a man’s penis. Oral sex with an HIV positive man is low risk for HIV but can happen infrequently if the person with HIV is not on treatment. The risk is increased if there are cuts and ulcers, open sores or bleeding in the mouth but is still considered low risk. As with any type of sex, oral sex with an HIV positive person who is taking effective HIV treatment carries zero risk of transmission.
I think I’ve been exposed – what do I do?
If you think you have been exposed to HIV, you should ring the Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Hotline on 1800 737 669 (1800 PEP NOW).
PEP is a special combination of HIV treatments that are given to people who may have been exposed to HIV. It can prevent seroconversion after exposure.
To be effective PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure to HIV, and the sooner PEP is started, the more chance it has to work.
PEP is available at public Sexual Health Clinics or your Emergency Department.
**New PEP guidelines (2016) state that PEP is not recommended where the person with HIV has an undetectable viral load
Where can I be tested?
You can be tested for HIV by your GP or at any NSW Public Sexual Health Clinic. If you have any difficulty getting a HIV test ring Pozhet..You may also be eligible to do a test at home, known as a Dried Blood Spot (DBS) test. For more information see: Testing options. You can also ring the NSW Sexual HealthInfo Line on 1800 451 624 to discuss your options.
Published Date : 23 September, 2015
Nobody plans to get HIV and a new diagnosis can be a shock. It is important to have some support or someone you can talk to. Just remember things have changed since the early days of HIV – effective treatment is good news and means you can be healthy and happy.
Today’s HIV treatment reduces the amount of HIV in your body to undetectable levels. This means your immune system can recover and function normally. These days people with HIV on effective treatment (usually 1-2 pills a day) are able to live a long, healthy life, have sex, have children and participate in life just like everyone else.
To refer and for more information, contact Pozhet pozhet@pozhet.org.au or call (02) 9395 0444, freecall 1800 812 404.
Published Date : 24 October, 2012
People with HIV can now live long and healthy lives, have children and have sex without passing on HIV.
HIV treatment consists of one or two pills a day, is well tolerated and reduces HIV in a person’s blood to undetectable levels. Scientific studies have consistently shown that people do not transmit HIV when their viral load (the amount of HIV in the blood) is undetectable. Their health is also improved, as the immune system can function normally.
With good information, care and support you can live well, have sex, have a career and have children. Staying in touch with your doctor and taking your pills as prescribed is important.
Plenty of things will affect your situation, like your general health, your age when you were diagnosed, and how many years you’ve had HIV before you found out. You should discuss these matters with your HIV doctor and healthcare team.
Practical information
This website deals with some of the common questions that arise for people affected by HIV. Have a read of the following pages:
You can also discuss these issues and more with Pozhet. Email or call us on freecall 1800 812 404. We can help you, your partners and family to:
Published Date : 21 August, 2012
Support, information and connections for heterosexual people with HIV, their partners and family in New South Wales.
1800 812 404
New Beginnings is a program for heterosexual people recently diagnosed with HIV. It offers individual and group support, education and information on living well with HIV, relationships, sex, health, treatment and connecting with others. Call 1800 812 404 or email pozhet@pozhet.org.au
Download the New Beginnings poster (pdf, 280kB)
Information on HIV and STI testing and prevention, a partner notification tool, and information for Health Professionals.
Immediate phone counselling is available from:
(02) 9332 9700 or 1800 451 600
13 11 14
Face-to-face counselling services are available from:
HIV positive people and their carers, partners or family can access free and confidential psychological services
(02) 9332 9600.
Most sexual health clinics also offer face-to-face counselling services.
Sexual health clinics offer free, comprehensive clinical services to people living with HIV. To find your nearest sexual health clinic:
See this list of all NSW public sexual health clinics
Call the Sexual Health Information Line 1800 451 624 for free and confidential sexual health support and information.
It’s important to find a doctor who is skilled in HIV care. These doctors are often called “s100 prescribers”.
Community support includes counselling, physiotherapy and nutrition for HIV-positive people living in the inner-west of Sydney
(02) 9395 0444
Social workers, dieticians, mental health nurses and referrals for HIV positive people living in South-East Sydney.
(02) 8305 3800
HIV-related legal matters including immigration.
1800 063 060
Information and support for over 20 language groups.
1800 108 098
Confidential support, practical information for newly diagnosed and all HIV+ people. ACON specialises in HIV and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) health.
1800 063 060
National organisation providing information about HIV, as well as leadership and coordination around policy and advocacy in the HIV sector.
Provides practical support which includes training about self-managing your health.
(02) 9283 8666
Low cost groceries, social support, massage, internet access and regular lunches.
(02) 9672 3600
Offers information, support and assistance to people affected by hepatitis C.
(02) 9332 1853
Massage, complementary therapies, internet access, referrals, workshops, outings and counselling.
(02) 4940 8393
The National Association of People with HIV Australia is Australia’s peak body representing HIV-positive people. Up-to-date information, their friends, carers and families.
1800 259 666
NUAA is a NSW wide organisation run by and for people who use or have used drugs or are on drug treatment programs. NUAA also runs a needle and syringe program and provides information and support around hepatitis C and HIV. Their magazine User’s News is available on line and two copies each year will be in print.
(02) 8354 7300
Community organisation representing people living with HIV in New South Wales. They publish Talkabout magazine and run the Positive Speakers Bureau.
1800 245 677
Support, advice and referrals available to people with HIV on the central coast.
(02) 4323 2905
SWOP provides sexual health information and support to people who engage in sex work.
1800 622 902
Support for ALL HIV positive people (Catholic Care)
(02) 9509 1240
Counselling, support and information for women partners of bisexual men.
(02) 9560 3011
Published Date : 12 November, 2012
This section provides information about:
Published Date : 17 October, 2012
There are effective options for couples wanting a baby if you or your partner has HIV. With HIV medications and technology, it is possible to prevent HIV passing between men and women when trying to fall pregnant. Also, with medical management and following guidelines, such as being on HIV treatment and not breast feeding, the chances of an HIV-positive female passing the virus to her baby are extremely low.
Options for men and women are included in the new Pozhet resource: Having a Baby: a guide for HIV positive women, men and their partners
Self insemination – This involves the man ejaculating (cumming) into a container and drawing the semen into a syringe (without the needle) and then putting it into the woman’s vagina.
Assisted reproduction: Sperm washing – This involves spinning a male’s semen in a special machine, which separates or ‘washes’ the sperm from the seminal fluid. This is done because only the seminal fluid contains HIV. The sperm cells, which do not contain HIV, can then be used to inseminate the egg. Conception is not assured with this option. It is also expensive and not available in NSW.
Using donor sperm – Some people may choose to use donor sperm. In NSW, new laws mean a child can find the identity of the donor when they turn 18. For those couples that use sperm donated from a friend or family member, there are some tests that need to occur. It’s also important to work through the legal and emotional implications of arrangements with donors who you know.
Recent studies have indicated that if a partner with HIV in a relationship has an undetectable viral load, there is a greatly reduced risk of transmission. Therefore, after careful discussion with an HIV specialist, some couples who want to fall pregnant choose to have unprotected sex around the time of ovulation.
It is important that you inform yourself and talk to your doctor before making a decision about whether you are prepared to try to conceive this way. You should ensure the positive partner’s viral load is consistently undetectable for six months and that neither partner has any other sexually transmissible infections.
PrEP which stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis can be taken before a potential exposure. People who do not have HIV can have a pill daily to prevent getting HIV. For example a couple may be attempting to conceive and the negative partner can take a course of PrEP to reduce any potential risk of transmission from the partner with HIV.
International trials have shown that it is effective for use by heterosexual couples where one partner is positive and for men and women who may have sex without condoms and/or who inject drugs or have a partner at risk of HIV. It is also effective for couples trying to conceive. Truvada (the drug used as PrEP) has not yet been licensed for use by negative people as a prevention treatment (PrEP) in Australia. It is licensed for use as a HIV treatment for people with HIV. The USA has approved the use of PrEP and there are limited ways of accessing PrEP in Australia. We will keep you updated about the situation in Australia.
These techniques, used together, are highly effective at preventing mother-to-child transmission:
Having a Baby: a guide for HIV positive women, men and their partners is a comprehensive resource for women and men affected by HIV. It covers low-risk conception and birth, fertility issues and adoption and foster care options.
Published Date : 15 March, 2016
New generation direct action antiviral medications are now available in Australia for the treatment of hepatitis C.
They are very effective and result in a cure for up to 95% of people.
In Australia it is estimated that about 13% of people with HIV will also have hepatitis C. When people are living with HIV and infected by hepatitis C it is known as co-infection. People who are co-infected can be affectively treated for both. If you do have HIV you should be tested for hepatitis C so treatment can start early.
Treatment for hepatitis C is now much simpler for most people with minimal side effects. There is a chance that there might be adverse drug interactions between treatments for hepatitis C and HIV so it is important that people with HIV/hepatitis C co-infection get specialised care.
For more information about hepatitis C, go to Living Positive Victoria
Published Date : 17 October, 2012
You do not have to tell anyone about your HIV status in most situations. There are some exceptions, such as if asked about HIV when applying for life insurance or if you are a dentist, nurse or doctor doing certain procedures. See http://halc.org.au/publications/guides-to-hiv-and-the-law/ for more information.
There are some circumstances where you might need or want to tell people who are assisting you with travel, migration, welfare, employment or healthcare, or simply for support. However this is your choice. The HIV Legal Centre (HALC) has a comprehensive guide to disclosure, discrimination and the law.
If you are HIV positive you do not have to tell your partner before sex, if you are taking reasonable precautions to prevent the other person getting HIV. Reasonable precautions to stop transmission of HIV include:
The HIV Legal Centre (HALC) advise people with HIV to discuss these issues with their doctor so they can be sure they are taking ‘reasonable precautions’
For more information see the HALC website which includes a statement about the changes to the Public Health Act which removed the disclosure requirement in 2017. http://halc.org.au/publications/guides-to-hiv-and-the-law/
For more information please read the NSW Ministry of Health summary.
Is my information private?
If you have disclosed your HIV status to a health worker, your employer, the police or a welfare service, then they must not tell anyone. Health workers should seek your consent before discussing your health with anyone. There are some exceptions that exist to allow health providers to disclose information about your health to other health providers when it directly relates to your care or safety.
If you feel your privacy has been breached, contact the organisation where it happened. You can also contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner or the Health Care Complaints Commission if you feel your complaint has not been addressed.
If you disclose your HIV status to someone in your personal life (such as a family member or a friend) there are no laws that protect your information. If you are thinking about telling someone, see our guide on telling others about your HIV status for things to consider and some tips you might want to use.
Stigma and discrimination
It is unlawful in NSW for anyone to treat you badly or unfairly because you have HIV.
You can make a complaint to the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission or NSW Anti-Discrimination Board.
You can also contact the HIV Legal Centre (HALC) to get advice about complaints related to discrimination.
This website has information for people with HIV about life insurance and income protection.http://unusualrisks.com.au/about-hiv-and-insurance#can-i-take-out-an-sickness-and-accident-income-protection-policy-if-i-have-been-diagnosed-with-well-managed-hiv
Published Date : 17 October, 2012
Like many chronic (long term) health conditions, HIV presents an opportunity to look after yourself better and to re-focus your mindset and physical health.
The following is a basic guide to keeping well:
The best vitamins and minerals come in the fresh food that you eat. However, some people choose to take vitamins and minerals to give themselves extra support. It’s important to discuss anything you take with your doctor or dietitian, as some vitamins may interact with other medications – doing more harm than good. For example, it’s important to avoid St John’s Wort and grapefruit with some medications.
For people that struggle to get their nutritional requirements, a medical practitioner or dietitian will prescribe nutritional supplements. If you’re concerned about your diet, weight or energy levels, you should discuss it with your HIV specialist and ask to be assessed by an ‘Accredited Practicing Dietitian (APD)’.
If you do need to take vitamins or any supplements, some of them can be bought at wholesale prices from ACON’s Vitamin Service.
Pozhet can provide you with more information or help you find support, such as:
Published Date : 18 May, 2016
Many people living with HIV are in serodiscordant relationships. This means they in a relationship with a person who does not have HIV. The partners do not always get as much support or information even though they often have lots of questions about things like transmission, treatment, conception, and pregnancy.
This section of the website will focus on information for negative partners. These days most people who are HIV positive go on treatments straight away. Once they have been on treatment for six months they will probably have “undetectable” levels of HIV in their blood which means they are not infectious when they have sex with you.
If your partner is not undetectable or you think they may not be taking HIV treatment you may be interested in the following information.
PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily medicine (taken as a pill) that helps you stay HIV-negative. If your partner is on effective treatment PrEP may not be necessary. Read more about PrEP here. [Link to PrEP page]
PEP (Post-exposure Prophylaxis) is an emergency medicine you can take within 72 hours of possible exposure to HIV. Find out more about PEP on the Relationships and sex page. [Link to relationships and sex]
Condoms are an effective way to prevent transmission of HIV and most sexually transmitted infections.
Check out the Pozhet booklet ‘Live Loving and HIV’ It features real stories and quotes from HIV negative and positive partners.
You may also be interested in some FAQ’s regarding the latest information about transmission for both partners.
Published Date : 17 October, 2012
People with HIV can have a normal sex life, just like anyone else. With effective HIV treatment, transmission of HIV can be stopped and people can live long, healthy lives.
Many HIV-negative men and women have relationships with HIV-positive people. The technical term for this is a serodiscordant relationship. Some people talk about ‘pozneg’ or ‘magnetic’ couples.
There are many such couples enjoying successful long-term relationships. The person without HIV can stay negative, and both partners can enjoy all the things other couples do – including having sex.
There are, however, particular challenges that crop up. Pozhet’s resource Life, Loving and HIV covers some of these issues, including:
Download Life, Loving and HIV (pdf)
You can still have a healthy, enjoyable sex life with HIV. It’s important to be well informed and to find out all you can about HIV and how to reduce the chance of passing it on to your partner.
Research has shown that when a person is taking HIV treatment as prescribed and their viral load has been undetectable for six months there is no chance of passing HIV on to others during sex. See ‘Treatment and Prevention’ on the Treatments page.
‘I often tell a partner they will be safer with me than with anyone else.’ Jenny
‘It’s just as important for me to say what I like sexually as it is to let him know I’m HIV positive.’ Saria
If you’re worried about being exposed to HIV, call the 24-hour Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) hotline on 1800 737 669. PEP is a course of medication that can prevent HIV infection if taken as soon as possible after any potential exposure. See GetPEP info.
Recent PEP guidelines (2016) state that PEP is not recommended where the source has a consistently undetectable viral load.
It is important to understand the difference between PEP (Post exposure prophylaxis) and PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis). A prophylaxis is something which prevents the spread of an infection or disease.
PEP is a course of medication taken within 72 hours after exposure to HIV. (see above)
PrEP can be taken before a potential exposure. People who do not have HIV can take a pill daily to prevent getting HIV. For example, a couple may be attempting to conceive a baby and the negative partner can take a course of PrEP to reduce any potential risk of transmission from the partner with HIV. It is a way to reduce anxiety when trying to conceive.
You can watch a short YouTube video about PrEP and HIV Prevention here
For some people with HIV, having a partner who also has HIV can have some benefits. These couples can support each other and share their wisdom and experience of HIV. However they may also find they need to have more in common than just HIV.
Make sure your health is monitored regularly and discuss any issues with your HIV doctor.
Published Date : 17 October, 2012
Deciding whether to tell someone you have HIV can be challenging. Remember that you are in control of who you tell and who you don’t. If you do decide to tell, a bit of planning can make it easier.
Telling someone you have HIV is often called ‘disclosure’
Before you disclose to someone:
Dealing with reactions
Some people will be supportive when you tell them you have HIV, but others might be worried or react negatively.
Give them time to adjust – it’s important to remember that people’s first reaction is often not their last reaction. Most people don’t know much about HIV and its treatment. They might need to talk to someone else for support. Talk to them about who they can tell, and who they can’t. Point them to some organisations they can talk to and maybe give them some information to read.
‘Those that matter don’t mind, and those that mind don’t matter.’
In NSW you no longer are required by law to disclose that you have HIV or a sexually transmitted infection (STI) before having sex. However you must take reasonable precautions to prevent transmission of HIV, such as being undetectable or using a condom. See our page on Legal issues for more information.
It can be hard to know when or how to start a discussion about HIV and sex. A social worker at a specialist HIV clinic can help you find the words you need. Pozhet’s booklet ‘Life, Loving and HIV’ covers some of the issues that HIV-positive people in relationships with HIV-negative people can experience.
‘I met someone I really fancy. I plucked up the courage to tell him that I was HIV positive. He was cool about it and said it didn’t matter.’ Julian
Most parents with HIV choose to tell their children about it at some point. Deciding when and how is a personal decision for you and your family. For some parents it’s great to be open and in control of the information their children get about HIV. Others prefer not to worry their children or run the risk of their children telling other people.
When weighing it up, parents might consider their own health, their children’s age and who else their child can turn to – like close friends or family that already know.
Before you tell anyone, including your children, it’s important to be informed and in control of what and how you tell.
Many parents find Camp Goodtime an important source of support for their children and themselves. Camp Goodtime is the national camp for children and families living with HIV. Talking to friends at the camp can mean there is less need to disclose to people in their everyday circle of friends. To find out more about Camp Goodtime, contact Sydney Children’s Hospital Paediatric HIV Service.
Published Date : 17 October, 2012
HIV is a manageable medical condition. HIV treatment allows most people with HIV to lead long and productive lives, and can also prevent HIV transmission. Evidence shows that current HIV treatments are well tolerated and effective.
HIV is treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Most treatments require you to take one or two tablets a day. There are different medication options and you should work with your HIV doctor to find the right one for you.
HIV treatment reduces the amount of HIV in your blood stream, to the point where HIV cannot be detected via a blood test – this is called ‘undetectable viral load’. This means that your immune system can recover or remain healthy. Medication must be taken as prescribed. Stopping and starting, or taking them randomly, can lead to drug resistance.
It is important to regularly discuss your situation with your HIV doctor. We know that starting HIV treatment can improve your long-term health and significantly reduces the chance of transmitting HIV. There is now compelling evidence which shows that starting treatment as soon as possible after diagnosis improves health outcomes. However, taking HIV medication requires commitment so it’s best to start when you are ready. Things you and your doctor should consider include:
HIV medications have greatly improved in recent years and most people find modern HIV medications easy to take. Side-effects are usually non-existant or manageable and should be discussed with your doctor.
Published Date : 15 November, 2012
Calling Pozhet using an interpreter
If you would like to call Pozhet with the help of a translator, call the Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) on 131 450.
When you call, tell the operator:
This is a free and confidential service.
Using an interpreter at your health appointments
Most government health services (like hospitals, sexual health clinics and community health centres) provide a free interpreter service. They can also provide some telephone interpretation. You should ask about the interpreter service when you book an appointment.
Someone who understands your culture
If you want to talk to someone from your own or a similar culture who understands HIV and the Australian health system, you might think about accessing a Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service (MHAHS) support workers, called ‘co-workers’.
MHAHS have male and female co-workers from Asian, African, European, Middle Eastern and South American backgrounds who understand what it is like to be living with HIV and dealing with cultural issues. These co-workers can provide on-going emotional support and help with accessing services.
A co-worker can:
You can arrange meetings with your co-worker at times that suit both of you. All services are free and confidential.
Phone MHAHS on (02) 9515 1234 or visit their website.
Translated information
The MHAHS website has translated information about HIV in more than 20 languages.
Published Date : 20 December, 2013
Published Date : 10 July, 2013
Our resources are listed here for viewing, they are in pdf format only, word document versions will be added soon. Clicking the link will open the pdf in the same tab, or right click the link to open up the document in a new tab or window.
Having a Babya guide for HIV positive women, men and their partners
Print version on A4 two pages per side (570 KB 12 pages)
Viewable version (480KB 22 pages)
Life, Loving and HIVa heterosexual’s guide to serodiscordant relationships
Print version on A4 two pages per side (781 KB 10 pages)
Viewable version (650KB 18 pages)
Changing LivesChanging Lives – Positive Women
Changing Lives – Telling Others
Changing Lives – Family Matters
Changing Lives – Talking Treatments
Changing Lives – Tips For Living Well
Changing Lives – Getting Support
Changing Lives – The Complete Resource
Published Date : 14 July, 2016
PEP
Sex Matters A – Z