HIV Knowledge Hub

12/07/2025

Can HIV spread by kissing? HIV infection happens when certain body fluids from a person living with HIV — such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, re**al fluids, or breast milk — come into direct contact with another person’s bloodstream or mucous membranes. For transmission to occur, there must be a direct exchange of these fluids, and the person living with HIV must have a detectable amount of the virus in their body (a high viral load). Saliva, sweat, and tears do not transmit HIV, as the amount of virus in them is either absent or too low to cause infection.

When it comes to oral s*x, the risk of HIV transmission is very low, but not zero and the chances of HIV passing from one person to another this way are much smaller than with vaginal or a**l s*x. However, if there are open cuts, sores, bleeding gums, or any wounds in the mouth, these could provide an entry point for the virus. The risk also increases if ej*******on happens in the mouth or if either partner has a STI, which can make the tissues more prone to infection.

Saliva alone does not transmit HIV, and casual oral contact or kissing is not a risk for HIV infection. The risk becomes even lower — nearly zero — if the HIV-positive partner is on ART.

08/07/2025

HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, has a specific way it infects the body. It follows a step-by-step process known as the HIV life cycle. First, HIV attaches to a special type of immune cell in the body called the CD4 cell — think of this like a key fitting into a lock. Once it attaches, the virus fuses with the cell and releases its own genetic material inside.

Next, HIV changes its genetic material (called RNA) into DNA — this is done using a special enzyme the virus carries. This is an important step because it allows HIV’s DNA to sneak into the DNA of your own cells, like a hijacker taking over the control room. Once this happens, the infected cell starts following the virus’s instructions instead of its own. It unknowingly begins making parts of new HIV viruses.

These parts are then assembled into new viruses inside the cell. Finally, the new viruses push out of the cell, mature, and go on to infect more CD4 cells, repeating the cycle. Over time, if not treated, this weakens your immune system and can lead to AIDS.

How HIV Medication Helps

The good news is that modern HIV medicines — whether used for treatment (ART), prevention before exposure (PrEP), or emergency prevention after exposure (PEP) — are designed to block these steps. Some stop HIV from attaching to the cell, others prevent it from changing its RNA into DNA, and others stop it from making new virus parts. By interrupting the life cycle, these drugs either stop HIV from infecting you in the first place or prevent it from multiplying in your body if you already have it.

So, whether you're living with HIV or trying to prevent it, these medicines are powerful tools. They don’t cure HIV, but they keep it under control and protect your health. That’s how they work — now you know!

27/03/2025

Did You Know?
People living with HIV who take their medication daily and maintain an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to their s*xual partners. This is known as U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable. 💊❤️

Let's fight stigma with facts. Get tested. Get treated. Stay healthy. 💪🏾

Send a message to learn more

11/09/2024

How does ART work: Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) are medications used to treat HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. In simple terms, ARVs work by stopping the virus from making copies of itself in the body. HIV attacks the immune system, specifically the cells that help fight off infections. Without treatment, the virus multiplies and weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off illnesses.

ARVs block different steps in the virus’s life cycle, which keeps it from spreading and allows the immune system to stay strong. By taking ARVs regularly, people with HIV can keep the amount of virus in their body very low, stay healthy, and prevent spreading the virus to others. It’s important to take these medications exactly as prescribed to keep the virus under control.

Send a message to learn more

16/08/2024

HIV can significantly influence the progression of cervical cancer by compromising the immune system, which impairs the body's ability to detect and eliminate abnormal cells, including those infected with HPV (human papillomavirus). This weakened immune response leads to persistent HPV infections, which increase the risk of developing precancerous lesions and cervical cancer. Additionally, HIV-positive individuals may experience accelerated disease progression due to their reduced immune function, resulting in faster advancement of cervical cancer. Delays in diagnosis and treatment, often caused by less frequent screenings and access to care, can further exacerbate the condition. Moreover, HIV can increase susceptibility to other infections and complications, which can negatively impact cancer progression and treatment outcomes. Effective management of HIV through antiretroviral therapy (ART) and regular cervical cancer screenings are crucial for improving immune function and early detection of cervical cancer.

Send a message to learn more

08/08/2024

People living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) may develop diabetes due to several factors. Certain ART medications, especially older ones and those like protease inhibitors, can cause insulin resistance and glucose metabolism issues, increasing diabetes risk. Additionally, HIV itself contributes to metabolic disturbances through chronic inflammation and immune activation. Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, and stress related to living with HIV also play a role. As individuals with HIV age, they face a higher risk of age-related conditions, including diabetes, and comorbidities like obesity or hypertension further elevate this risk. Genetic predisposition may also contribute. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels, lifestyle changes, and careful ART management are essential to mitigate this risk.

Send a message to learn more

27/07/2024

HIV treatment failure is a condition where antiretroviral therapy (ART) does not effectively manage the HIV infection, resulting in continued viral activity or progression of the disease. One type of treatment failure is **virologic failure**, which occurs when the viral load, or the amount of HIV in the blood, either remains detectable or increases despite being on ART. This indicates that the therapy is not adequately suppressing the virus.

Another aspect is **immunologic failure**, where the CD4 cell count, a marker of immune system health, does not improve or declines even though the individual is receiving ART. A stable or decreasing CD4 count suggests that the immune system is not recovering as expected, despite treatment.

**Clinical failure** refers to the occurrence of clinical signs of HIV progression or the development of opportunistic infections, despite ongoing ART. This form of failure indicates that the treatment is not preventing the manifestation of HIV-related complications.

Treatment failure can result from various factors, including drug resistance, which occurs when the virus mutates and becomes resistant to the medications. Poor adherence to the prescribed regimen, drug interactions, or insufficient drug efficacy can also contribute to treatment failure. Regular monitoring and adjustments to the treatment plan are essential to effectively manage and overcome these challenges.

20/07/2024

What is the Impact of ART on Health and Longevity in Individuals Living with HIV?

While ART doesn't make individuals with HIV immune to death or illness, it significantly improves health outcomes and life expectancy. By reducing the viral load to undetectable levels, ART helps maintain immune function and prevents the progression of HIV to AIDS. This strengthens the immune system, reducing the risk of opportunistic infections and severe health complications.
ART also enhances overall quality of life by minimizing symptoms and enabling people to live healthier lives with fewer complications. Adherence to ART can manage HIV as a chronic condition rather than a terminal one, leading to long-term health benefits. It also helps prevent secondary conditions related to HIV, such as cardiovascular disease and kidney issues.
However, maintaining adherence to ART and regular medical follow-ups are crucial. Non-adherence, drug resistance, or other health issues can impact overall health, so consistent treatment and a healthy lifestyle are essential for effective HIV management.

Send a message to learn more

17/07/2024

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a preventive measure recommended for HIV-negative individuals who are at substantial ongoing risk of HIV infection. This includes individuals in serodiscordant relationships, where one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative. PrEP has been proven effective when taken as prescribed. However, it is important to note that PrEP does not offer protection against other s*xually transmitted infections (STIs) or unintended pregnancies, thus necessitating the use of additional protective measures.
PrEP is specifically recommended for s*xually active individuals who are 15 years of age or older. Eligibility for PrEP is determined based on several criteria. Firstly, a laboratory test must confirm that the individual is HIV-negative. Medically, there should be no contraindications to the use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), and the individual should not have severe renal diseases. Additionally, the individual must weigh at least 30 kilograms. Another critical factor in eligibility is the readiness of the client. The individual must be willing to take PrEP as prescribed and commit to the associated follow-up and HIV testing schedule, which includes testing at enrollment, one month after starting PrEP, and every three months thereafter.
The recommended antiretroviral regimen for oral PrEP consists of TDF combined with emtricitabine (FTC), with TDF/lamivudine (3TC) as an alternative. There are two dosing strategies available for oral PrEP. The first is a daily regimen, where the individual takes TDF (300 mg) and FTC (200 mg) once daily. The second strategy is event-driven PrEP, which is specifically recommended for people assigned male at birth who are not taking exogenous estradiol-based gender-affirming hormones. This regimen involves taking two pills of TDF/FTC between 2 and 24 hours before an anticipated s*xual act, with a preference for closer to 24 hours. This is followed by a third pill 24 hours after the initial two pills, and a fourth pill 24 hours after the third pill. This dosing strategy is commonly referred to as the “2+1+1” method.

Send a message to learn more

13/07/2024

If an HIV-positive person consistently misses doses of their antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), several serious consequences can occur. The primary goal of ARVs is to maintain a low viral load, which helps preserve the immune system. Missing doses can lead to an increase in the HIV viral load, compromising the treatment’s effectiveness and overall health. One major concern is the development of drug resistance. HIV can mutate and adapt to inconsistent medication levels, rendering the current treatment regimen less effective or even ineffective. This necessitates a switch to different, often more complex and costly medications, limiting future treatment options. Additionally, as the viral load increases, the number of CD4 cells (critical for fighting infections) decreases, weakening the immune system. This makes the body more susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain cancers. If left unchecked, the condition can progress to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), characterized by severe immune system damage and life-threatening infections or cancers. Higher viral loads also increase the risk of transmitting HIV to others. Effective ARV treatment can lower the viral load to undetectable levels, significantly reducing the risk of transmission. Therefore, missing doses impact the individual's health and pose a public health risk. Untreated or inadequately treated HIV can affect various organs and systems, leading to additional health complications. Individuals on ARV treatment must adhere closely to their medication schedule. If adherence is a challenge, discussing potential solutions with a healthcare provider, such as different formulations or support for managing side effects is important. Proper adherence to ARV treatment is essential for maintaining health and preventing the progression and transmission of HIV.

Send a message to learn more

10/07/2024

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is a preventive treatment aimed at reducing the risk of HIV infection after potential exposure. It involves taking a combination of antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) for a period of 28 days. The standard regimen includes Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF), Lamivudine (3TC), and Dolutegravir (DTG) in Kenya, instead of TDF and Emtricitabine (FTC).
PEP is recommended as soon as possible after exposure, ideally within 72 hours, as its effectiveness decreases with delayed initiation. It is crucial to consult healthcare providers immediately after exposure to assess the risk and determine the appropriate course of action. PEP is not a substitute for other preventive measures like pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) but serves as an emergency response to potential HIV exposure incidents.

08/07/2024

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a preventive strategy to reduce the risk of HIV infection for high-risk individuals. Here's a summary of how PrEP works:

Medication: PrEP involves taking a daily pill containing two antiretroviral drugs, Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and Emtricitabine (FTC).

Mechanism: These drugs prevent HIV from replicating and establishing an infection by acting as faulty building blocks within the virus's target cells.

Efficacy: PrEP reduces the risk of HIV infection by over 90% when taken consistently. Adherence to the daily regimen is crucial for maximum protection.

Eligibility: PrEP is recommended for individuals at high risk of HIV, such as those with HIV-positive partners, multiple s*xual partners, or those who inject drugs.

Monitoring: Users need regular check-ups every 3 months for HIV testing, prescription refills, and monitoring for side effects.

Safety: PrEP is generally well-tolerated, though long-term use requires monitoring for potential impacts on kidney function and bone density.

Complementary Measures: PrEP should be used alongside other preventive methods like condom use and regular HIV testing.