HIV Basics
What does HIV stand for?
Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
What organ does Hepatitis C primarily affect?
The liver.
Can HIV be transmitted by sharing food with someone who has HIV?
No
What is one way to reduce the risk of Hepatitis C transmission when injecting drugs?
Never share needles, syringes, or other injection equipment and use new, sterile equipment.
True or False: You can tell if someone has HIV by looking at them.
False
What does AIDS stand for?
Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.
Is there a vaccine that prevents Hepatitis C?
No.
What is one major way Hepatitis C can be transmitted?
Contact with infected blood, including sharing needles or other injection equipment.
What medication can be taken by people who are HIV-negative to help prevent HIV?
PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis)
True or False: Hepatitis C can be spread by casual contact such as hugging.
False
What type of immune cells does HIV primarily attack?
CD4 cells (T cells)
Can Hepatitis C be cured?
Yes. Modern antiviral treatment can cure most people.
Can HIV be transmitted through hugging or shaking hands?
No.
What should a person do if they think they may have been recently exposed to HIV?
Seek medical care immediately to ask about PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis). It needs to be started as soon as possible and within 72 hours.
True or False: A person with HIV who maintains an undetectable viral load through treatment does not sexually transmit HIV.
True
Can a person have HIV and not know they have it?
Yes. Some people have few or no symptoms, especially early in infection.
Can someone have Hepatitis C without having obvious symptoms?
Yes.
Can HIV be sexually transmitted?
Yes, although effective HIV treatment can prevent sexual transmission when the person maintains an undetectable viral load.
What is one important reason people should get tested for HIV and Hep C?
A person can have either infection without knowing it and can benefit from early diagnosis and treatment.
True or False: Having Hepatitis C automatically means someone will develop severe liver disease.
False.Hep C can cause serious liver disease, but outcomes vary, and effective treatment can cure the infection and reduce the risk of complications
What is the main goal of HIV treatment?
To suppress the amount of HIV in the body (viral load), protect the immune system, and prevent transmission when viral suppression is maintained.
What test is generally used to determine whether someone currently has Hepatitis C after an antibody test is reactive?
An HCV RNA test (also called a nucleic acid test).
Why can sharing injection equipment be risky even if there is no visible blood?
Tiny amounts of infected blood can remain on needles, syringes, or other equipment even when blood isn't visible.
Name two things that can help prevent bloodborne infections such as HIV and Hep C.
Examples include using sterile injection equipment, not sharing needles/equipment, appropriate testing, and using appropriate barrier protection to reduce sexual transmission risk.
True or False: Someone who has been cured of Hepatitis C can never get it again.
False. A person can be reinfected after being cured if they are exposed again.