Why are so many people unaware that they are HIV positive?
Many Unaware Of Risk The new HIV testing strategy replaces an approach that targeted those in danger of infection due to risky behaviors such as unprotected sex and intravenous drug use. "Many infected people are unaware of their risk because their own behaviors are not particularly high risk," Mayer says.
What happens if you don't get treatment for HIV?
When HIV isn't treated, it can become AIDS. This stands for “acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.” It's the third and most advanced stage of HIV infection. People who have AIDS either were never diagnosed with HIV or didn't get treatment early enough to keep the infection from getting worse.
What if someone doesn't tell you they have HIV?
An unsuccessful attempt to infect, or acting with “reckless disregard,” would be a class D felony. That is punishable by a maximum of five years in prison. A person who simply failed to disclose their HIV status could be charged with a misdemeanor.
Can you be unaware you have HIV?
You also can have been exposed to HIV but not necessarily be infected. About 1 in 7 people who are HIV-positive are unaware of it. The only way to know if you are infected is to get an HIV test.
Can I infect my partner with an undetectable viral load?
Having an undetectable viral load does mean that there is not enough HIV in your body fluids to pass HIV on during sex. In other words, you are not infectious. For as long as your viral load stays undetectable, your chance of passing on HIV to a sexual partner is zero.