7 Aug, 2025

HIV and AIDS Facts: Stay Informed, Stay Safe

Close up of hands holding a red ribbon that represents HIV and AIDS.

HIV infections are increasing in some parts of the Pacific.

Because many people travel between the Pacific and Aotearoa, it is important to learn about HIV. This knowledge can help protect you and your community.

HIV awareness tile 1 - about recent increase in the Pacific

Read RNZ Article here -

'Drug use driving HIV surge in Fiji - UNAIDS'

What is HIV?

HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system. Over time, it can make people very sick.

HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It damages the cells in your immune system. This makes it harder for your body to fight infections and diseases. HIV infects and damages CD4 cells, which are an important part of your immune system. When these cells are damaged, your body becomes vulnerable to serious infections and illness.

What is AIDS?

AIDS stands for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

It is the stage when HIV has badly damaged the immune system. People with AIDS can get infections and illnesses that can be life-threatening.

How do you get HIV?

You can get HIV through body fluids such as blood, semen, vaginal fluids, rectal fluids, and breast milk.

Saliva, sweat, and urine do not carry enough virus to infect others. You cannot get HIV through kissing or touching someone with HIV.

What are the symptoms of HIV?

Some people feel sick 2 to 4 weeks after infection. This is called acute HIV infection. Symptoms are like the flu.

They can include:

Fever
Chills
Rash
Night sweats
Muscle aches
Sore throat
Feeling very tired
Swollen lymph nodes
Mouth ulcers

Not everyone feels sick during this time. These symptoms can also be caused by other illnesses. (Reference for symptoms - Body Positive Inc.)

If you have these symptoms and think you might have been exposed to HIV, see a healthcare provider. The only way to know for sure is to get tested.

How do you get tested for HIV?

Even if you feel healthy, it is important to get tested. HIV can stay hidden in your body for years.

You can get tested for free at:

Is there a cure or treatment for HIV?

There is no cure yet. But effective treatment is available.

Treatment is FREE in Aotearoa NZ, no matter what your residency status is. If you start treatment early, you can stay healthy and live a long life.

Can HIV still be transmitted after treatment?

When someone with HIV takes effective treatment, the virus levels become too low to detect in their blood. The medication works by stopping the virus from reproducing.

This means the risk of transmission is very limited after 6 months of treatment.

Group of pacific people after exercise at a park looking happy.

How can HIV be prevented?

You can prevent HIV from spreading by:

Using condoms
Taking HIV pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP or PEP, medicines that prevent HIV)
Not sharing needles or injecting equipment

Available support in Aotearoa for HIV

Getting diagnosed with HIV can be scary. Remember, effective treatment is available, and many people with HIV live long, healthy lives.

It is important to learn about HIV and get the right support. This helps you make good choices for your health and future.

Mou tauhi homou sino ke mo’ui lelei he ko e Temipale ‘o e ‘Otua.

Take good care of your body, as it is God's temple.

Close up of smiling Pacific lady doing exercise with others on green grass in a park.

For more information about HIV and AIDS go to -

Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora

If you have questions or concerns, talk to your doctor or call Healthline on 0800 611 116