Up-to-date, reliable HIV and sexual-health knowledge.
A single act of unprotected sex can transmit HIV, even though the per-act odds are not very high and vary by many factors. This guide explains the per-act odds by route, factors that raise the risk, ways to reduce it, and what to do after a single risk.
Symptoms like significant weight loss, chronic diarrhea, and night sweats can occur in advanced-stage HIV, which usually develops after years without treatment. But these symptoms have many other causes. The good news is treatment helps prevent this stage. This guide explains it clearly and accurately.
Swollen lymph nodes can be an early HIV symptom, often in several places like the neck, armpits, and groin. But swollen nodes have many other causes. This guide explains which swelling is concerning, what tenderness means, and when to test for HIV.
Mosquito bites do not transmit HIV, and sharing items, toilets, meals, or casual contact don't transmit it either, because HIV is transmitted only through limited routes. This guide explains why mosquitoes don't spread it, what doesn't transmit HIV, and how HIV is actually transmitted.
Testing negative for HIV several times but still feeling anxious is something many people experience. This guide explains when a test result is conclusive, why repeated testing may not help, and how to care for anxiety with understanding, plus how to seek support.
Kissing or deep (French) kissing does not transmit HIV, because saliva does not carry the virus in a transmissible way. Fear of kissing is a common misconception. This guide explains why saliva doesn't transmit HIV, which kisses are safe, and other conditions that can pass through kissing.
Fever, sore throat, and diarrhea after a sexual risk can be signs of acute HIV, which usually appears 2-4 weeks after exposure. But these symptoms look so much like a common cold that they can't be told apart by sight. This guide explains the accompanying symptoms, the timing, and the only way to be sure — testing.
Oral sex carries a very low risk of HIV compared with other types of sex, but it is not zero. The risk increases with mouth ulcers, bleeding gums, or other STIs. This guide explains the real risk level, factors that raise it, and how to protect yourself.
An HIV rash is one possible symptom in the early stage of infection, usually appearing 2-4 weeks after exposure as flat red spots on the trunk. This guide explains what HIV bumps and rash look like, where they appear, and how to tell them apart from allergic rashes, acne, or syphilis.
