FACTSHEET
HIV
As at February 2015
What is HIV?
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus which destroys the human immune system unless it is treated.
How is HIV transmitted?
HIV is transmitted through contact with blood, sperm,
seminal fluid, vaginal fluid and breast milk. The risk of infection varies depending on the situation: The risk of getting
infected through unprotected anal sex is high; unprotected
vaginal sex is also risky. HIV transmission through contact
with sperm or blood during oral sex (fellatio or cunnilingus) is
possible but rare.
If the mucous membrane is damaged due to the presence
of another sexually transmitted infection, the risk of HIV
transmission increases. HIV can also be transmitted through
the sharing of syringes among intravenous drug users. An
HIV-positive mother can transmit the virus to her child
during birth or while breastfeeding.
What are its symptoms and its consequences?
The first few weeks after infection are called “primary infection”. A few days or up to four weeks after infection, there
may be flu-like symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, night
sweats, swollen lymph nodes, sore throat or skin rash.
During this initial period after transmission, the virus spreads
rapidly and those affected are highly contagious.
This is usually followed by the “latent period”, which is
asymptomatic. During this phase, the affected person may
feel healthy over the course of several months or years.
However, the virus continues to spread and starts damaging
the immune system. When the immune system is severely
compromised, the typical signs of illness start appearing,
such as general fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats,
diarrhoea, shortness of breath, skin rash.
The last phase, when the immune system is breaking down,
is referred to as “AIDS” (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). In this stage, the body’s defences no longer function, and affected persons may come down with such severe
illnesses as pneumonia, fungal infestation of the oesophagus, certain types of cancer, etc.
When does an HIV test make sense?
If flu-like symptoms appear a few days or up to four weeks
after a high-risk situation, it is important to immediately
notify a VCT centre or the family physician. These symptoms
More information:
www.lovelife.ch
may be a sign of an infection, and an HIV test is important in
this situation.
A test is also needed after a high-risk situation. It is important to get tested together at the beginning of a new relationship, if both partners would like to dispense with condom
use in future.
The online risk-check tool at www.lovelife.ch can help you
decide whether a test is warranted.
How is HIV tested for?
An HIV infection can be established with a blood test (HIV
antibody test).
A test may be able to establish an infection after as little as
14 days. But if that test comes back negative, it should be
repeated after three months, which is the earliest an infection can be positively ruled out. Some websites offer HIV
home testing kits, the sale of which is illegal in Switzerland;
the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) advises against
the use of these types of tests. An HIV test should always
be administered by an expert and in combination with a
counselling session – ideally at a recognised counselling
and testing centre.
How is HIV treated?
HIV is a chronic infection which cannot be cured. There are,
however, ways to treat it to avoid progression to AIDS. After
an infection, regular medical examinations are important to
avoid missing the opportune time to start treatment. HIV is
treated with antiretroviral drugs, which must be taken daily,
consistently and very likely for the rest of the affected person’s life.
Can HIV-positive persons dispense with condom
use in a stable relationship?
Under certain conditions, condom use may be dispensed
with in a stable relationship if the HIV treatment is successful. The couple should discuss this with their doctor.
How can an infection be prevented?
High-quality condoms (ideally with a quality seal) and
consistent adherence to the first two safer sex rules protect
against an HIV infection:
1. No intercourse without a condom.
2. No sperm or blood in the mouth.
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