World HIV/AIDS Day is celebrated this Thursday (1st). The date marks the beginning of the month called “Red December” and brings a topic for the population to discuss the importance of this topic.

For a general idea, according to updated data from Dive / SC (Santa Catarina Epidemiological Surveillance Authority), 2055 new cases were registered until November 2022 alone. Last year there were 3095, and in 2020 – 2972.

A sexually transmitted infection attacks the immune system, but if properly treated, it does not progress to AIDS. That is, those who have HIV do not necessarily have AIDS, HIV is a virus, and AIDS is a disease. Currently, there are several ways to prevent infection and transmission of HIV, the so-called combined prophylaxis.

Only 75% of people living with HIV are aware of their condition – Photo: Arquivo/Agência Brasil/Disclosure/ND

“Combination prevention is the best tool we have today to prevent new cases or people with the virus getting sick. It consists of various approaches, ranging from the simplest, such as the use of condoms in all sexual relationships, but also includes other methods, such as post- and pre-exposure prophylaxis of the virus, which consist of medication; regular testing; and achieve adherence and adequate completion of treatment. Today, we have a range of opportunities to fight infection,” explains infectious disease specialist and manager for STIs, HIV/AIDS and chronic infectious diseases at DIVE/SC Regina Walim.

This range of possibilities also includes early diagnosis, one of the best ways to treat and prevent HIV. “There is a difference between HIV infection and AIDS. With HIV infection, a person has no signs, no symptoms of the disease. This is the best time to make a diagnosis and start treatment. A person with a late diagnosis already has AIDS, is already ill and, without knowing about his infection, can transmit the virus to other people for a long period of time,” Valim explains.

SUS (United Health System) offers all available preventive methods free of charge, in addition to testing and treatment. A person diagnosed with HIV can start taking medication the same day and increase life expectancy, as well as break the chain of transmission of the virus.

Rapid HIV test boxes are available free of charge through SUS – Photo: PMF/Disclosure/ND

Did you know that the virus can no longer be transmitted?

Today, there are rapid tests that are performed without a laboratory structure. They are practical, made with a drop of blood and the result is manifested in a maximum of 30 minutes. With the test result in hand, if a person is infected, treatment begins immediately and at no cost to the patient. People who adhere to and properly treat maintain an undetectable viral load and no longer transmit the virus sexually after six months.

The condom continues to be the most affordable and effective HIV prevention method and should be used in all sexual relationships. Female and male condoms are available free of charge from health services for the entire population.

In addition to this method, two others can also be used to prevent infection: HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP); post-exposure prophylaxis of HIV (PEP). PrEP is indicated for people who have seropositive partners and/or are more vulnerable to HIV infection, and consists of taking a daily pill to prevent HIV infection in the body, even before the person comes into contact with the virus.

PEP is indicated for people who have experienced a dangerous situation, such as having sex without a condom, and consists of taking medication within 72 hours of exposure, which must be continued for 28 days.

This year, the Ministry of Health authorized the use of PrEP by sexually active adolescents aged 15 years and older who are at high risk of contracting HIV, given the significant increase in the incidence in this group.

aDiversa podcast comments on the topic

The aDiversa podcast offers a place for everyday topics for Santa Catarina women with lightness, fun and controversy. This Friday (2) was specifically about women living with HIV. Episodes presented by Luciana Barros air every Friday at 7am on the Diversa+ editorial page.

The issue features infectious disease specialist Caroline Aquaro, journalist, YouTuber and researcher on seroactivism and fat activism at the UFSC, living with HIV, Leticia de Assis. Guest presenter – correspondent no data+ Ana Scholler.

Bringing another perspective to the chat, the male quota is Marcelo Pacheco, a member of the National Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Santa Catarina and the state’s National LGBTQIA+ Alliance.