Therapy for HIV infection
The bad news first: HIV is not curable. The good news is that there are effective medications in the event of an infection. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses the HI virus and enables a long life. The infection is therefore, if not curable, at least treatable. The earlier the infection is detected, the better the prognosis! The final stage - called AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) - can be prevented. HIV is no longer transmissible under therapy. After a known HIV risk contact, e.g. unprotected sexual intercourse with an HIV-positive person, it is also possible to take post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). The medication must be taken as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours after the risk contact, and can thus prevent infection with HIV.
Transmission routes of the HI virus
- unprotected sexual intercourse: via the anal and vaginal mucosa, as well as the penile mucosa
- during pregnancy, childbirth or breastfeeding: Via the placenta, contact with blood or vaginal secretions and breast milk (if the mother is not taking medication against HIV)
- Drug use: About sharing syringes and needles
- Contact of open wounds with infected body fluids: Blood, semen, fluid film of the mucous membranes
HIV is not transmissible through:
- Shared use of washrooms, toilets or dishes
- Contact with sweat, tears, urine, feces and saliva
- Physical contact such as shaking hands, hugging, kissing, coughing or sneezing
- Insect bites
For further help and information:
- WWW.AIDSHILFE-BERATUNG.DE
- WWW.FRAUENUNDHIV.INFO
- WWW.LIEBESLEBEN.DE
- HEALTH CENTERS NEAR YOU
- NATIONWIDE TELEPHONE ADVICE SERVICE OF THE AIDSHILFEN: 0180 33 19411
A test includes:
- 1 test stick
- 1 prefilled developer tube
- 1 disposal bag
- 1 Instructions
- 1 stand
- 1 card with help telephone numbers
Recommended by the Paul-Ehrlich-Institut.
