2.5 HIV infection: key facts

23 July 2011

HIV is actually a difficult virus to catch from sexual exposure. At the same time people can become HIV-positive after only one exposure to the virus.
HIV is very easy to catch from sharing infected needles or IV drug taking equipment.
HIV in blood and other bodily fluids is thought to die within a minute or so once outside the body.
HIV is not infectious in saliva, spit, tears, urine or faeces.
Levels of HIV are measured using viral load tests.
The risk of catching HIV is related to viral load. The risk is highest when viral load is high.
Virus needs to enter the blood by the virus coming into contact with broken skin or through cells that are close to the surface of the skin. This can include contact with mucous membranes (the type of tissue that lines the inside of the vagina, rectum and inner foreskin).
The majority of people with HIV stay well for many years after they are infected.
Without treatment, some people (less than 5%) will become ill within 1-2 years and a few people (also less than 5%) can go for 15 years or more before they need treatment.
Although a lot of information about your health and HIV comes from blood tests, less than 2% of the HIV in your body is in your blood.
Most HIV is in your lymph system and lymph nodes. These are the little lumps that sometimes get enlarged in your neck, under your arms, and in the crease between your legs and your body.

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