Living without HIV treatment
Symptoms of untreated HIVHIVA virus (human immunodeficiency virus) that affects the natural immune system. When someone…Read more
If someone becomes infected with HIV, these are possible symptoms:
- First weeks: they may get symptoms resembling the flu, a rash or swollen lymph nodes.
- Then follows a period without symptoms.
If they do not get treated for HIV, then:
- After some time (this can be 2 years or more) they may get new symptoms.
- Without treatmentTreatmentCare and/or follow-up by a professionally trained person. Treatment can be given with…Read more, the immune systemImmune systemThe natural system which defends the body against viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi.Read more of someone with HIV is so weak that they become prone to other infections, can become ill and eventually die.
Without treatment, the immune system of a person with HIV is so weak he/she will be prone to many other infections and get ill.
Living with HIV when treated
The sooner a person with HIV is treated, the less serious are the consequences of HIV on their healthHealthFeeling physically, mentally and socially well in your environment. Health is more than…Read more. They can lead a normal life and live just as long as someone who does not have HIV.
If someone with HIV is treated, there is almost no riskRiskPossibility that something unpleasant may happen, for example a disease.Read more of infecting other people through sexSexAll acts that can sexually arouse you. Sex is more than sexual intercourse.…Read more without a condomCondomCovering of thin rubber that a man wears over his erect penis. A…Read more.
Someone with HIV can live a normal life and reach an old age.
A person with HIV can lead a normal life.
HIV testHIV testTest to check whether you have HIV. Without the test, you cannot be…Read more
Get yourself tested if you want to know for sure that you do not have HIV or when you have been in a situation where you could have gotten HIV. For example because you are a man who has sexSexThe biological fact of being a woman (girl) or a man (boy). Sometimes,…Read more with other men or because you are transgenderTransgenderWhen the sex someone was assigned at birth does not correspond to how they feel and/or…Read more. Ask your general practitioner, municipal public health serviceMunicipal public health serviceThe Dutch abbreviation GGD stands for Municipal or Collective Health Service. The Netherlands…Read more (GGD) or health professional at the health centre of the asylum seekers’ centre for help.
Man talking with a health professional.