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HIV

HIV is a virus that damages the immune system if left untreated. With effective treatment, the virus can often remain suppressed over time, allowing people to stay healthy and preventing sexual transmission while the viral load remains undetectable. Prompt testing advice after exposure, PEP within 72 hours and PrEP before exposure are important forms of prevention.

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  • HIV is a virus that damages the immune system without treatment. With effective treatment, many people can expect a long and healthy life.
  • Not everyone develops symptoms immediately after acquiring HIV. Testing after exposure is therefore more important than waiting for flu-like symptoms.
  • An HIV test has a window period. The right timing depends on the type of test and when the exposure happened. Follow testing advice from a healthcare professional or reliable testing service.
  • PEP is emergency prevention after a possible high-risk exposure and must start as soon as possible, within 72 hours at the latest. PrEP is prevention before possible exposure.
  • With effective treatment and a viral load that stays undetectable, U=U applies to sexual transmission. This holds while the person takes treatment consistently and follow-up confirms that the virus remains suppressed.

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Further reading

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S
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)An STI is an infection mainly passed on through sexual contact. Many STIs cause no symptoms. Testing, appropriate treatment, partner notification and safer sex prevent complications and further transmission.
B
Bird fluBird flu is infection with an influenza A virus that mainly circulates among birds and rarely infects people, usually after intensive unprotected contact with sick or dead animals or a contaminated environment. Symptoms range from a red eye and mild flu to severe pneumonia. Report symptoms after relevant exposure immediately before entering a waiting room, so testing, isolation and early antiviral treatment can be arranged safely.
F
FeverFever signals that your body is reacting to something, often an infection. Usually a virus is responsible and you recover with rest, fluids and time. However, fever can also indicate more serious problems such as dengue in Curaçao, dehydration, pneumonia, sepsis or meningitis. Look beyond the temperature: consider how ill someone looks, whether they remain clear-headed, drink, pass urine and breathe normally. Vulnerable people, including babies, older people, pregnant people and those with a weakened immune system, should contact a doctor sooner.