30 April 2024
HIV is a type of lentivirus that primarily affects the host's immune system. After a long incubation period during which the virus remains dormant, it can cause serious damage. When the immune system is significantly broken down, it is referred to as AIDS, a stage where the body becomes vulnerable to all kinds of infections.
Worldwide, there are about 38 million people living with HIV. Although the number of new infections is decreasing worldwide, there are still regions such as Eastern Europe and Central Asia where infections are actually increasing. In Belgium, more than 19,000 people are living with the virus, but the number of new infections is fortunately decreasing.
Most HIV infections in Belgium come from unsafe sexual contact, accounting for 95% of all cases. Risk groups include men who have sex with men, sex workers, transgender people and people who inject drugs.
HIV can be transmitted through various bodily fluids such as semen, pre-cum, vaginal fluid, blood and breast milk. Transmission occurs when these fluids come into contact with mucous membranes or the bloodstream, such as during unsafe sexual contact, sharing needles, from mother to child during breastfeeding, or through blood transfusions.
It is crucial to know that HIV cannot be transmitted through everyday social contact. You cannot get HIV by shaking hands, hugging, kissing, sharing toilets, or through insect bites.
Prevention is possible by always having protected sex, for example by using condoms. People in high-risk groups may consider taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a drug that reduces the risk of HIV if used correctly.
If you have had unprotected sex and are concerned about possible HIV transmission, you can take an HIV test. STI Test Care offers a self-taking test that you can take discreetly and anonymously.