Early HIV infection is the time just after someone has been exposed to HIV. It is also called acute or primary HIV infection.
During this stage, HIV spreads quickly in the body. The immune system is still learning how to respond, so the virus can reach high levels in the blood.
Some people may feel unwell during this time, but others may have no symptoms at all.

What symptoms might occur?
When symptoms do happen, they can feel like a strong flu. This may include:

• fever
• sore throat
• swollen glands
• tiredness
• body aches
• rash
• mouth ulcers

These symptoms are sometimes called seroconversion illness. Seroconversion is when the body starts making antibodies to respond to HIV for the first time.
Not everyone experiences symptoms, so testing is the only way to know your HIV status.

Why early infection matters
During early infection:

• HIV levels in the body are very high
• the immune system is under pressure
• there is a higher chance of passing HIV on to others

This is why prevention methods like condoms or PrEP are important if there has been a recent exposure.

Testing for HIV after recent exposure
Different HIV tests work in different ways:

• Laboratory antigen/antibody tests are the most accurate for recent infection. They can usually detect HIV within a few weeks.
• Rapid tests and self-tests are quicker but may not detect very recent infection.
• If a test is taken too early, it may show a false negative, even if HIV is present.

If there is a recent possible exposure (within 72 hours), a doctor may also discuss PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis), which can help prevent HIV from taking hold.

Starting treatment early
If someone is diagnosed with HIV during early infection, they are usually offered HIV treatment (ART) straight away.
Starting treatment early can:

• protect the immune system
• reduce illness
• help the body recover faster
• lower the chance of passing HIV to others

Over time, effective treatment can reduce the virus to an undetectable level, which means it cannot be passed on sexually.

Key Message
Early HIV infection is a time when the body is most affected by the virus, but it is also a time when early testing and treatment can make a big difference.
With the right care, people living with HIV can protect their health, start treatment early, and stay well long term.
For more information: aidsmap.com/about-hiv/early-hiv-infection
pozhet.org.au/hiv-prevention/testing-options/

Sexual wellbeing is an important part of overall health. The World Health Organisation describes it as physical, emotional, mental, and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality. It is about feeling safe, respected, and able to make choices that are right for you.

Looking after your general health can also support your sexual wellbeing. Here are some simple ways to help support your body, mind, and relationships.

1. Take care of your overall health. Eating a balanced diet and staying active can improve energy, mood, and circulation. Regular movement and healthy food choices can also support confidence and reduce stress, which can positively affect sexual wellbeing.
2. Look after your mental wellbeing. Stress can affect how you feel physically and emotionally. Finding ways to manage stress, such as exercise, mindfulness, or relaxation, can help support a more positive experience of intimacy and connection.
3. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol and drugs. Smoking and substance use can impact sexual health and function over time. Reducing or avoiding these can help improve overall wellbeing and support better sexual health outcomes.
4. Communicate and connect. Good communication with partners is important for healthy and respectful relationships. Talking openly about needs, boundaries, and comfort can help build trust and improve shared experiences.
5. Take care of your body. Some simple physical practices, like pelvic floor exercises (also called Kegel exercises), may help support bladder control and sexual function for both men and women. Using condoms and personal lubricants can also help reduce discomfort and lower the risk of infections.
6. Seek support when needed. If you have concerns about your sexual wellbeing, speaking with a doctor or health worker can help. Many sexual health concerns are common and can be supported with treatment, advice, or simple changes.

Looking after your sexual wellbeing is part of looking after your whole self.
Everyone deserves respectful, safe, and positive experiences.

Read more here: poz.com/slideshow/tips-for-improving-your-sexual-health

It has been 45 years since the first medical report of AIDS was published in 1981.
Since then, the response to HIV has changed in remarkable ways.

In the early years, treatment options were very limited. The first HIV medicine became available in 1987, but it was not until the mid-1990s that combination treatments were developed. These treatments made it possible to control HIV and stop it from progressing to AIDS for many people.

Today, HIV treatment is simple, highly effective, and often comes as a single daily tablet. For many people, HIV can be managed as a long-term health condition. Long-acting treatments, such as injections given every few months, are also now available or in development, offering more choice for people living with HIV.

Prevention has also improved. PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is very effective at preventing HIV when taken correctly. Newer options, including long-acting injections, are helping make prevention easier for more people.

Despite this progress, researchers are still working towards two major goals: a vaccine to prevent HIV and a cure that would remove the virus completely from the body. These remain complex challenges because HIV can hide in the body even when treatment is working well.

Some very early research is exploring new approaches, including immune-based treatments, but these are still in development and not yet available.
Experts say continued research is important to keep improving treatment, prevention, and access around the world.
At the same time, current treatments already mean people living with HIV can stay healthy, live long lives, and prevent HIV from being passed on.

The story of HIV is one of major progress and ongoing hope for the future.
Read More: poz.com/article/hiv-45-evolution-hiv-prevention-treatment-cure
pozhet.org.au/living-with-hiv/treatment/

Good news for people living in NSW who don’t have a Medicare card. If you are at risk of HIV, you may be able to access free PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) through participating public sexual health services or the NSW Sexual Health Infolink (SHIL).

PrEP is a medicine that helps prevent HIV. It can be an important option for HIV-negative partners of people living with HIV, as well as others who may be at risk of HIV.

You may be eligible if you:

• don’t have Medicare (including international students, temporary visa holders, working holiday makers, or people seeking asylum)

• live in NSW

• are at risk of HIV

• are assessed by a clinician as suitable for PrEP.

You don’t need to know if PrEP is right for you before making contact. A doctor or nurse can answer your questions and help you decide if it’s a suitable option.

 How to access free PrEP

• NSW Sexual Health Infolink (SHIL): 1800 451 624 (select option 5 for PrEP)  Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:30 pm

• Visit your local NSW public sexual health clinic

If you need an interpreter, call TIS National on 131 450 and ask to be connected.

All sexual health services are confidential, and you can ask questions in a safe, respectful, and judgement-free environment.

This program is funded by the Australian Government until June 2029, meaning eligible people can access PrEP at no cost.

If you have a Medicare card, PrEP is also available at a subsidised cost through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Speak with your GP or local sexual health clinic to find out more.

Learn more

• NSW Sexual Health Infolink: https://www.shil.nsw.gov.au/general-public/medicare-ineligible-prep

• Find your nearest NSW sexual health clinic: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/sexualhealth/Pages/sexual-health-clinics.aspx

• Ending HIV NSW: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/endinghiv

• HIV and HAND — Understanding HIV‑Associated Neurocognitive Disorder
• HIV and Healthy Eating — Nutrition guidance tailored for people living with HIV
• HIV and Menopause — Managing menopause with HIV‑specific considerations

Health literacy means being able to find, understand, and use health information to make the best decisions about your care.

Health literacy can help you:

• Know how HIV treatment works
• Understand your blood test results
• Take your medicine correctly
• Ask your health provider questions
• Find support when you need it

HIV treatment today is very effective.
When taken every day, it can make your viral load undetectable. This means the virus is controlled in your body and cannot be passed on.  It’s okay if medical words feel confusing. Many people find health information hard to understand.

You can:

• Ask your doctor or nurse to explain things in simple language
• Ask them to repeat or write things down
• Bring a support person to appointments
• Use trusted government websites for information

Health services also have a role to play. They should use clear language and give you time to ask questions.

When you understand your health and treatment, you can feel more confident and in control.

You deserve care that makes you feel supported.

For more info: health-literacy-and-hiv-supporting-understanding-at-every-step-of-treatment

Health literacy supports living well with HIV by helping you understand treatment, test results and medicines, ask questions, and get supportive care.

Click here to read more pozhet.org.au/…/treatment/

Women living with HIV have important perspectives about their health care. A recent conversation hosted by the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM) brings together women living with HIV to share what they would like clinicians to better understand.

The discussion highlights the importance of listening to women’s experiences and providing care that looks at the whole person, including mental health, relationships, reproductive health, and the impact of stigma.

By centring the voices of women living with HIV, healthcare providers can better support women’s health, wellbeing, and long-term care.

Read the full article: in-conversation-women-living-with-hiv-on-what-they-want-clinicians-to-know/