HIV and AIDS awareness: how it spreads, how to test, and why stigma hurts

World AIDS Day is observed on December 1. HIV is a virus that weakens the body's defence against infections. With treatment, people with HIV can live long, healthy lives.

HIV spreads through unprotected sex, sharing needles or syringes, contaminated blood or blood products, and from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, delivery or breastfeeding. It does not spread through hugging, shaking hands, sharing food or utensils, using the same toilet or through mosquito bites.

Testing is the only way to know. Free, confidential testing and counselling are available at Integrated Counselling and Testing Centres (ICTCs) in government hospitals. If you may have been exposed, ask a doctor about the right time to test, because very recent infections may need a repeat test. Every pregnant woman should be tested.

Treatment is called antiretroviral therapy (ART) and is available free at government ART centres. A person who takes ART regularly and has an undetectable viral load does not pass HIV on through sex. If you think you were exposed in the last 72 hours, see a doctor immediately, because emergency medicines called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) work best when started early.

Stigma stops people from testing and treatment. India's HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017 protects people with HIV from discrimination. The national helpline 1097 provides information and referrals.

General information, not medical advice. Please see a doctor for any health concern.