Condition
HIV
TreatableA virus that weakens the body's defense against sickness.
How to test for it
A fast finger-prick or swab. Many tests are free and give results in minutes.
What the label means
Treatable
Medicine keeps it in check for the long run.
Related reading
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Would I know if I had it?
Most people feel fine at first. The only way to know is a test. Many tests are fast and free.
Can it be treated?
There is no cure, but daily medicine keeps you healthy and lets you live a long, normal life. The medicine can lower the virus so much that you cannot pass it to anyone else.
Can it be prevented?
Yes. A pill called PrEP stops HIV before it happens. If you think you were just exposed, a medicine called PEP can still help, but you must start it within 3 days.
What should I do?
Get a test. If it is positive, start medicine soon. Tell recent partners so they can get tested too.
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