Bratislav Prokić, April 2022
What is the life expectancy of people living with HIV?
The life expectancy of people living with HIV is close to the life expectancy of people without HIV, provided that HIV is diagnosed on time and treatment is started immediately, as well as that the person adheres to the prescribed medication regimen and has regular health checks.
Will all people with HIV get AIDS at some point?
No. HIV infection will progress to AIDS in 10 to 15 years in people who are not treated with antiretroviral therapy. Regular and continuous therapy protects the immune system and prevents the development of AIDS.
Do people with HIV have to change any lifestyle habits?
Unlike some other diseases, HIV treatment does not require a change in diet or other lifestyle habits. Physical activity, a healthy and varied diet, cessation of smoking, as well as lack of drug and alcohol consumption, can positively affect the length and quality of life and prevent the occurrence of comorbidities - other accompanying diseases (diabetes, hypertension, etc.)
Can a person who is being treated for HIV transmit HIV through sex?
It takes several weeks to several months of regular antiretroviral therapy to suppress HIV enough that it cannot be sexually transmitted. This is confirmed by a PCR test. In order for a person to be considered non-infectious, the test result must be immeasurable (undetectable), or at least below 200 copies/ml of blood. As long as a person maintains immeasurable viral load the risk of HIV transmission is zero.
Can people with HIV have healthy children?
Yes. If a partner with HIV has an immeasurable viral load, conception is possible through natural means - unprotected sexual intercourse, without the risk of transmitting the infection. PrEP can be used if the HIV-positive partner is not achieving viral suppression or is taking treatment irregularly.
Can people with HIV study and do all jobs?
There are no health or legal obstacles for people living with HIV to study and work under equal conditions. Disclosing your diagnosis to colleagues or a supervisor is a matter of personal choice. Discrimination on the basis of health status is prohibited, but people with HIV often face it at work when their status becomes known.
Can people with HIV travel?
There are still some countries around the world that restrict the entry, stay and residence of foreigners who are HIV positive, or require HIV testing
What are the biggest problems of people with HIV?
Social problems: rejection, stigmatization and discrimination in the family, during employment, at work, in health institutions. Psychological problems: depression, anxiety, fear, reduced self-confidence. Health problems: vulnerability to other sexually transmitted infections, drug abuse.