HIV: Understanding, Prevention, and Stigma-Free Protection

     HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) remains a major issue that is closer to us than we think. However, many people still hold misconceptions, confusing how “HIV” and “AIDS” actually differ. Additionally, some topics are so sensitive that people feel unable to discuss them with anyone.

Doctors want to guide everyone to a deeper understanding of HIV so that we can live together safely in society.

What Is HIV Really? How Is It Different from ‘AIDS’?

• HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that destroys CD4 white blood cells, which make up the body's immune system. People living with HIV do not necessarily develop AIDS if they receive continuous treatment.
• AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the final stage of HIV infection, occurring when CD4 counts drop below 200 cells/cu.mm., leaving the body vulnerable to severe opportunistic infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.

3 Stages of HIV Infection

• Acute Stage (First 2–4 weeks): Flu-like symptoms; most contagious period.
• Chronic/Asymptomatic Stage: Can last 5–10 years; over 85% of infected individuals do not know they have the virus.
• AIDS Stage: Immune system is severely damaged, leading to severe opportunistic infections.

Latest HIV Epidemic Situation in Thailand (2026)

     Thailand has a cumulative total of over 557,993 people living with HIV. Although nationwide numbers have decreased by around 12,000 cases over the past 3 years, the group of concern remains youth aged 15–24 years old, with approximately 25,120 cumulative cases and 1,600–1,800 new infections annually. The Central Region has the highest number of cases,

followed by the Northeast and North, with 13 provinces exceeding 10,000 cumulative cases. The primary cause remains unprotected sexual intercourse.

HIV Transmission: How It Spreads and How It Doesn't

Transmitted primarily through 3 main routes:

• Unprotected sex (the primary route of transmission)
• Blood contact, such as sharing needles
• Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding

Not transmitted through daily casual contact, such as hugging, shaking hands, sharing toilets, sharing dishes or utensils, coughing, sneezing, or mosquito bites, because HIV can only survive within human cells.

Frequently Asked Questions About HIV (FAQ)

Q:  Can kissing or saliva transmit HIV?

A:  Virtually impossible, because saliva contains very little viral concentration; an unnaturally massive quantity would be needed to pose a risk. Therefore, social kissing or general contact with saliva poses no risk.

Q:  Can you contract HIV from oral sex?

A:  Possible, but considered low risk and depends on specific factors. A risk exists only when fluids with high viral loads, such as semen or vaginal fluids, come into direct contact with open wounds or fragile mucous membranes in the mouth. If there are open sores, bleeding gums, or canker sores in the mouth, and no condom is used, transmission can occur.

Q:  Is oral sex risky for HIV infection?

A:  Risk is low, but increases if there are mouth sores and direct contact with semen or bodily fluids.

Q:  Can mosquito bites transmit HIV? 

A:  Definitely not. HIV can only grow and survive within human cells. The virus cannot survive or replicate inside other animals, including mosquitoes. Mosquitoes only feed on blood and do not transmit HIV.

Currently Effective Methods for HIV Prevention

• PrEP: Preventive medication taken before exposure, suitable for individuals with high-risk behaviors.
• PEP: Emergency medication taken within 72 hours after exposure.
• Condoms: Used correctly every time.

Treatable with Antiretroviral Therapy (ARV) and the U=U Principle

When diagnosed with HIV, the most important step is to enter treatment as soon as possible. Taking antiretroviral therapy (ARV) consistently, on time, and with lifelong discipline will help reduce the viral load in the blood to undetectable levels (Undetectable), providing double benefits:

• First benefit: The body can rebuild immune cells (CD4) to higher levels, keeping the individual healthy, free from opportunistic infections, and enjoying a life expectancy equal to anyone else.
• Second benefit (U=U: Undetectable = Untransmittable): When the virus is undetectable in the bloodstream, the risk of transmitting the virus to others or partners is effectively zero.

References: Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Ramkhamhaeng Hospital, Thairath Online