Antibody Positive and Negative Questions

Information Line | Antibodies | HIV FAQ | Transmission | Treatments

Antibody Positive

What does a positive result to the HIV antibody test mean?

Receiving an HIV antibody positive test result means that you are infected with the virus. You must also consider yourself infectious (i.e. capable of passing the virus on to others) from the moment of infection, even though you may have no symptoms.

At the Albion Street Centre, counselling and medical HIV management are available for free. Treatments are available at a heavily government subsidised cost.

Can HIV positive people have sex?

Yes! Use of a condom for penetrative sex is recommended, as it is the most effective means of preventing semen or vaginal fluid entering another’s body where there is high risk of entering the bloodstream and causing infection (see "What is safe sex?" in Transmission and Prevention). It should be noted that it is a requirement of law in N.S.W that if you have been diagnosed as HIV positive, whether you practice safe sex or not, you have an obligation to inform all sexual partners of your status.

For HIV positive people, contact with other STIs should be avoided as these may act as co-factors in the progression of HIV illness. Although condoms prevent transmission of syphilis and some other infections, other diseases such as hepatitis A and herpes can be passed on by contacts other than sexual intercourse (e.g. oral sex and rimming).

Can HIV positive people have sex with other HIV positive people without precautions?

Research has indicated that re-infection with HIV may further weaken the immune system. Also, a more virulent strain of HIV may be passed on which may damage the immune system more quickly. Whilst some HIV positive couples may choose to have unprotected sex, there is also a possibility of a strain that is viral resistant to treatments being transmitted. Research has not established that there is no risk of re-infection. Transmission of other STIs may also occur and be detrimental your health.

Can I be infected by an HIV positive person?

Yes, but by specific means only, such as unprotected sexual intercourse or sharing needles with them (see Transmission and Prevention). You cannot become infected by casual social contact, such as: kissing, hugging, sharing food or cutlery/crockery, toilet seats, swimming pools, coughing or sneezing.

Is transmission of HIV by HIV positive people automatic?

No! There are certainly recorded cases of one partner remaining uninfected despite regular sexual contact. However, the risk of transmission is high without appropriate precautions and avoidance of contact with blood, seems, vaginal or anal secretions is strongly recommended. It is not always clear why sometimes an infection occurs when on other occasions it has not.

Can you tell when people are HIV positive?

No! Certainly not by looking at them. Remember most HIV positive people are healthy. The only way to tell someone has HIV is by a specific blood test. Therefore, if you do not know the status of your sexual partner, it is wise to assume that they are HIV positive and take the necessary precautions (i.e.: use condoms for any unprotected sexual intercourse, be aware of the condition of your mouth when performing oral sex etc).

Will HIV positive people die?

A positive result to the antibody test means that you have been infected with the virus known as HIV. It does not mean that you have AIDS or an AIDS related condition.

There is no cure for HIV. However, since the development of combination anti-retroviral therapy, HIV may possibly be managed as a chronic, long term, disease.

Combination therapy has successfully slowed the progress of disease amongst some people living with HIV as it slows down the viral replication process. This has resulted in a lower incidence of people progressing from HIV to AIDS and AIDS related deaths. However, some people living with HIV will not benefit from combination therapy due to side effects, rejection, or drug resistance and the long term effects and benefits have yet to be fully established.

For advice or referrals it is recommended that HIV positive people see a health practitioner or a clinic experienced in dealing with HIV infection for health and lifestyle advice and to have regular health monitoring.

People who are infected with HIV remain infectious for the rest of their lives and are able to transmit the virus to others.

Are HIV positive people a danger in the workplace?

No! The virus is mainly transmitted by sexual contact or sharing needles. HIV positive people can work in all professions and do not need to inform their employer. It is unlawful in Australia for an employer to ask an employee their HIV status. Some people are required to know their status and change their practices if they are HIV positive. This is only for people who in the course of their job perform “exposure prone procedures”, such as specific types of surgery or dentistry. It does not relate to all health care workers. Standard infection control precautions should be in place to prevent contact with blood or body fluids in every workplace regardless of whether employees are known to be HIV positive or not.

Can HIV positive people donate blood, semen or organs safely?

No.

Can you develop immunity to the virus?

No. There is no evidence that anyone has developed immunity against the virus.

What can people with HIV do to look after their health?

A healthy balanced diet, regular exercise, enough sleep and avoiding smoking, excessive alcohol, or use of non-prescription drugs are all recommended. Some recreational drugs may adversely interact with anti-retroviral or other HIV medication. It is important to seek information about the use of any non-prescribed substances in relation to HIV treatments.

Regular medical check-ups are important. There are various treatments available that may help people stay well, and there are often clinical trials of new drugs and treatments that people may choose to take part in. Many people benefit from psychological support and counselling, as well as, relaxation, meditation, massage etc.

Do I report people with HIV?

No! Doctors have the responsibility to make such legal notifications as are necessary while maintaining patients' confidentiality. Australian health departments maintain data on the number of people infected in order to plan health services. These records are coded without patient names.

Antibody Negative

What does a negative result to the antibody test mean?

An antibody negative result means that HIV antibodies have not been detected in your blood. This means that you are not infected providing you have waited at least three months after any activity which may have put you at risk (the window period.)

If you are HIV negative with no risk within the window period or after your blood was taken, you are considered not to be infected with HIV. (See “What is the window period?” page 4)

An HIV negative result does not mean you are immune to HIV infection.

How can I stay negative?

You can stay negative by always practicing safe sex (use of condoms during sexual intercourse) and/or safe drug use (not sharing injecting equipment), which avoids the transmission of blood, semen or vaginal secretions from one person to the other.

Albion Street Centre
150 - 154 Albion Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 Australia
Telephone: +61 2 9332 9600 Fax: +61 2 9331 3490