HIV prevention and care for partners and families

HIV prevention and care for partners and families. Practical steps for people with HIV, partners and families.

For: People with HIV, partners and families

General guidance across countries. Sources checked 2026-09-26.

Testing without stigma

Someone can live with HIV for years without obvious symptoms. HIV is not spread by sharing food, toilets, hugs or everyday contact. A test, not appearance or assumptions about a partner, is how infection is checked.

A test soon after exposure may be negative before infection becomes detectable. Ask whether and when to repeat it. A reactive screening or self-test needs confirmation through the testing service.

Treatment, relationships and prevention

Antiretroviral treatment suppresses the virus and allows people to live long, healthy lives. A person who takes effective treatment and maintains an undetectable viral load does not transmit HIV through sex (U=U). This requires treatment and monitoring; it is not a cure or protection against other STIs.

After a possible exposure, seek assessment for PEP immediately and within 72 hours; do not wait for a test to become positive. Ask about PrEP for ongoing exposure risk. Condoms and sterile injection equipment reduce risk. During pregnancy or breastfeeding, get an individual treatment and infant-feeding plan.

Sources

  1. HIV and AIDS · Public sector health information · OGL v3.0

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

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