HIV still raises many questions and misconceptions. This Q&A provides clear and reliable answers about transmission, prevention, testing, treatment, and living with the virus.
Being informed means protecting yourself—and fighting prejudice.
WHAT IS HIV ?
HIV is a virus that destroys the immune system, specifically CD4 cells, which are cells that defend the body against various pathogens and protect us from infections. If untreated, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), which is the final stage of HIV infection.
The immune system’s job is to protect the body against foreign or dangerous invaders. (Source)
2 to 4 weeks after infection, flu-like symptoms may appear, including :
• Extreme fatigue, night sweats
• Swollen lymph nodes (armpits, neck, groin)
• Fever, muscle aches, skin rashes
• Sore throat
However, some people may show no symptoms for years.
HOW CAN I KNOW IF I AM INFECTED WITH HIV ?
The only way to know if you are infected is to take an HIV test.
THERE ARE 3 TYPES OF HIV TESTS AVAILABLE
1. Standard blood test: free and available without prescription, provides reliable results 6 weeks after a risky situation. Results are available a few days after the blood sample.
Where to get tested:
• At the Luxembourg Hospital Centre (CHL), Infectious Diseases Department (Service des Maladies Infectieuses)(2nd floor) ,
• At the National Health Laboratory in Dudelange
• At the Emile Mayrisch Hospital Centre in Esch/Alzette
2. Anonymous, free, and prescription-free rapid screening using TROD (Rapid Diagnostic Tests) via a finger prick, which provides reliable results 12 weeks after a risky situation. The result is available within minutes.
Where to get tested:
• At the HIV Berodung Service of the Red Cross, Mondays and Wednesdays from 5pm to 7pm.
• At the LGBTIQ+ Centre CIGALE, Thursdays from 12.30pm to 2.30pm
3. The self-test: a finger prick test done by yourself, reliable from 12 weeks after risky situation. Results in 15 minutes.
Where to get it:
• Free at the HIV Berodung Service of the Red Cross
• Pharmacies
• Supermarkets like Cactus, Auchan, etc. in Luxembourg
IS THERE A TREATMENT FOR HIV?
Yes. Antiretroviral therapy (triple combination therapy) controls the virus and prevents progression to AIDS. A person on effective treatment with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit the virus (known as U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable).
CAN HIV BE CURED?
Currently, there is no cure for HIV. However, antiretroviral treatments, called triple therapy, suppress the virus and reduce the viral load (amount of virus) in the body.
This treatment blocks the virus’s activity, prevents destruction of the immune system, and thus avoids opportunistic infections, enabling people living with HIV to stay healthy.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE UNDETECTABLE?
Treatments aim to reduce the viral load in the body to undetectable levels.
A person living with HIV who takes their medication as prescribed and has had an undetectable viral load for over 6 months does not transmit HIV during unprotected sex.
CAN YOU LIVE A NORMAL LIFE WITH HIV?
Yes, with appropriate antiretroviral treatment and regular medical care, a person living with HIV can live a healthy life, have sex with or without condoms (external or internal) or latex squares if undetectable, and even have children without transmitting the virus to their partner or child.
CAN HIV TRANSMISSION BE PREVENTED?
After potential exposure, taking PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) ideally within 48 hours, and at most 72 hours in some cases.
Yes, several prevention methods exist:
• Using condoms or dental dams during sex.
• Getting tested and knowing your HIV status.
• Taking PErP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) for HIV-negative people at high risk.
CAN HIV BE TRANSMITTED IF AN HIV-POSITIVE PERSON IS UNDERGOING TREATMENT?
If an HIV-positive person follows antiretroviral treatment as prescribed and maintains an undetectable viral load for over 6 months, they do not transmit HIV during unprotected sex. This is known as “U=U” (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO HIV?
After a high-risk situation, immediately go to the CHL (Centre Hospitalier de Luxemburg) or another emergency service. You may be eligible for PEP, a treatment that can prevent infection if taken within hours after potential exposure, ideally within 48 hours and up to 72 hours in some cases.
IS HIV DIFFERENT FROM AIDS?
Yes. HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that damages the immune system and has no cure, but a person can live many years with HIV without developing AIDS if treated. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the final stage of HIV infection. Without treatment, AIDS can be fatal. Fortunately, the AIDS stage is reversible with antiretroviral therapy!
WHAT IS VIRAL LOAD?
Viral load is the amount of HIV in the blood. A test measures viral load. If it is low or undetectable thanks to treatment, it means the virus is under control.
CAN YOU HAVE A RISK-FREE SEXUAL LIFE WITH HIV?
Yes, by taking precautions such as using condoms, taking PrEP if HIV-negative, or having an undetectable viral load if HIV-positive, it is possible to have a sexual life without risk of HIV transmission.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HIV NEGATIVE?
If the test result is negative and was done 6 weeks (or 12 weeks for the rapid test) after the risk situation, it means there are no HIV antibodies, and the person is HIV-negative (not infected).
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE HIV POSITIVE?
The test detected HIV antibodies; the person is infected with HIV and can transmit it to others. Medical care is necessary to control the virus and achieve an undetectable status. In Luxembourg, the reference service for HIV infection is the National Infectious Diseases Service (Service National des Maladies Infectieuses) at CHL.
WHAT STEPS SHOULD BE FOLLOWED AFTER AN HIV DIAGNOSIS?
• Attend regular tests and check-ups to monitor viral load.
• Seek psychological and/or social support if needed.
WHAT IS A RISKY SITUATION?
A risky situation is any event where there is a risk of HIV transmission, such as:
• Unprotected sex with someone HIV-positive or from a high-risk group
• Unprotected vaginal or anal sex
• Unprotected oral sex (when semen or menstrual blood enters the mouth)
• Condom breakage during sex
• Being a victim of rape or sexual abuse
• Accidental needle stick with a used syringe
• Sharing used syringes
• Contact between eyes/mouth and contaminated blood
WHAT IS PrEP?
PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a preventive treatment for HIV-negative people. It blocks the cells from allowing HIV to establish in the body, helping to remain HIV-negative. PrEP involves close medical follow-up and requires complete testing every three months. In Luxembourg, it is available at the National Infectious Diseases Service (Service National des Maladies Infectieuses) at CHL.
WHAT IS PEP?
PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis) is an emergency treatment after potential HIV exposure. It must be taken within hours after the risk situation, ideally within 48 hours, and up to 72 hours in some cases. It is available in emergency departments across Luxembourg.
WHAT IS TasP?
TasP (Treatment as Prevention) refers to HIV treatment when a person has been undetectable for more than 6 months
If my partner is “on TasP,” they cannot sexually transmit the virus to me.
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