Question
Is there an HIV vaccine?
14 February 2019. Related: All topics, HIV testing, HIV transmission.
My friend tested HIV negative. Is there any drug or vaccine to protected from HIV?
Answer
There is currently no vaccine against HIV, and there is unlikely to be an effective vaccine for many years.
However, there are many ways to stay HIV negative, now your friend knows their HIV status.
If an HIV positive person has an undetectable viral load on treatment, there is no risk of transmission. Even if you don’t use a condom. This is called U=U (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
You also can use PrEP – a medication you take to protect you against HIV. This is important if your partner is not on treatment. It is also close to 100% protection.
Thirdly, condoms and lube when used correctly also will give you 100% protection.
This original question from November 2006 was last updated in February 2019.
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