This is not just a glossary of terms. This is a toolbox to keep handy. We create and constantly update it so that those who need to communicate about HIV and AIDS can do so correctly. But also so that society understands the differences, meanings, and resources available to them.

This information helps reduce prejudice and stigma. It also helps us to know and assert our rights.

HIV and AIDS are not the same thing

HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system. If detected early through testing, it can be kept under control. Currently, there is no cure.

AIDS is the advanced stage of HIV, when the virus is not controlled in time. We speak of AIDS as emerging when the body's defenses are severely weakened and various diseases take hold of the compromised immune system.

A person living with HIV who is diagnosed early and receives treatment may never develop AIDS.
Today, it is possible to be HIV-positive and maintain a good quality of life.

HIV is transmitted, it is not contagious.

The terms we use are of vital importance to avoid prejudice and discrimination.

HIV is transmitted. That is, to infect another person there must be contact through specific routes of bodily fluids—such as blood and semen—containing the viral load, and through direct contact.

In contrast, when we talk about contagion, we are referring to situations in which infectious agents spread through the air, contact, objects, or food.

For example: a kiss can transmit Covid but not HIV. Sharing mate can transmit the flu, but not HIV.

Understanding these differences translates into how we behave in our daily lives. Knowing that a kiss, a hug, or sharing mate does not transmit HIV prevents fear and stigma.

How do you talk about positive people?

Carrier: this term suggests danger. Someone who passively “carries” something, as if “carrying weapons”.

Being sick: Living with HIV is not living with an illness. Even if it is diagnosed and treated early, illnesses can be prevented.

Infected: just like when "contagious" is used, these are terms that suggest a danger that fosters stigma.

Other terms that should be avoided include, for example, "AIDS patient," or sensationalist phrases such as "victim of AIDS."

Terms that are suggested to use

These are some ways to express ourselves correctly and without stigmatizing.

Positive person

Person living with HIV

Person undergoing antiretroviral treatment

Take the test, it's always better to know.

The test allows for a quick diagnosis. That's why it's always important to get tested. We'll tell you about the advantages.

The test is fast, free, and confidential. Your diagnosis is personal; you have the right not to share it.

What is the window period?: Between the time the virus enters the body and it can be seen in tests there is this period of time that is usually 20 to 30 days.

Before this deadline, a negative result does not reflect the person's condition.

What if it tests positive?

A positive result must be confirmed with a second test, which is not the same as the first. If the first positive result is obtained with a self-test, it is important to follow up with health services so they can perform further tests.

If the positive diagnosis should begin with medical supervision and support .

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) consists of the assigned medication, which can sometimes be changed until the right one is found for each person.

Adherence: To control the virus, this medication must be taken every day.

Viral load: This is one of the two main indicators used for regular checkups. It indicates the amount of virus present in our blood.

CD4: This indicator represents the state of our defenses.

Let's talk about Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=I)

When a person living with HIV takes their medication daily, they can achieve an undetectable viral load. This means there is so little viral load in their blood that it cannot be measured. In this way, the virus does not progress and cause the damage it can.

An undetectable HIV+ person , who maintains this for more than 6 months, and continues with their adherence to ART , does not transmit the HIV virus in a sexual encounter.

A person with an undetectable HIV viral load is not "cured ." Currently, there is no cure for HIV, so maintaining this undetectable level requires daily medication and regular checkups.

And what happens if a person is detectable?

First and foremost, it is important that you consult with professionals to prevent the virus from progressing to your health.

If for any reason someone fails to achieve undetectability, it should be noted that there are many ways to prevent the transmission of the virus during sexual encounters.

What is combined prevention?

This is a prevention strategy. It combines tools, knowledge, and the opportunity to talk and rethink our behaviors.

For HIV prevention:

PEP: Post-exposure prophylaxis is medication that must be taken within 72 hours of exposure to the virus. You must go to the hospital to request it.

PrEP: This is a medication treatment taken before exposure to the virus to prevent it from entering the body. It must be taken regularly and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

In countries like Argentina, both PEP and PrEP must be provided free of charge by the health systems, by law.

General prevention

Condoms: In recent years, condom use has declined drastically. However, they remain a crucial tool for preventing the transmission of various sexually transmitted infections (STIs), ranging from HIV to gonorrhea, chlamydia, and syphilis.

DoxyPep : This is an option that involves taking doxycycline after sexual intercourse to reduce the risk of contracting certain STIs , and gonorrhea. It does not prevent HIV transmission.

These are tools to use in combination to have more options for taking care of our health. For example, a person with an undetectable HIV viral load, while not transmitting the virus, is not exempt from other STIs such as syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HPV. The same applies to someone who is HIV-negative but on PrEP treatment.

It is very important to have regular checkups for all STIs and to be able to use these resources in conjunction with health systems that supervise, support and advise on what is best for our quality of life.

Shortcomings: much more than the absence of medication

Currently, cuts to HIV and AIDS response programs worldwide are growing at an alarming rate. These range from international closures and reductions in PEPFAR (the U.S. Presidential Plan for AIDS Relief) to local threats like those faced by Argentina, where the 2026 budget eliminates almost 40% of funding for these areas.

A shortage isn't just about not having medication. It's about not having access to testing, information and education programs, and also the lack of health services and care. When we talk about medication shortages, it can also mean that, to cut costs, the appropriate medication is replaced with a cheaper one. Or that instead of providing a monthly supply, the delivery is divided into smaller doses.

Talking about shortages highlights the abandonment by states and international organizations in many of the areas that represent the response to HIV and AIDS.

BLIP: A scare in undetectability

A "viral blip" occurs when, during routine testing, the viral load—in a person who has maintained undetectable levels for some time—reappears at a very low but still detectable level. This can happen even with strict adherence to treatment.

If this occurs, our healthcare professional will indicate that the tests will be repeated to confirm that it returns to undetectability or that the viral load is not increasing.

A BLIP is considered to occur when this slight variation appears and then returns to undetectability.

The reasons can be varied, ranging from a laboratory variation to the presence of another infection. In any case, follow-up tests should be resumed to confirm that it is temporary. A BLIP does not always mean treatment failure or the possibility of transmission; it all depends on the magnitude of the increase and the results of subsequent tests.

In this first installment, we share the basics of HIV and AIDS.
These are definitions and tools to keep in mind, but they don't replace consultation with healthcare professionals. what other definitions and tools do you think we could add? Do you have any questions about these?