HIV Basics

What Is HIV & AIDS?

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The virus affects the body’s immune system, its main defence against disease. If untreated, HIV weakens a person’s immune system over time, leaving them open to other life-threatening infections.

AIDS stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome which refers to the range of specific illnesses that a person with HIV may get when their immune system becomes weakened by HIV.

It is important to test for HIV often so that anyone who may unknowingly have HIV can start on effective treatments to stay healthy. It is recommended that anyone diagnosed with HIV goes on treatment immediately as this will reduce the level of HIV in the body, maintain a strong immune system and keep the person healthy. For those adhering to HIV treatments, this prevents the progression of HIV to AIDS.

How Is HIV Transmitted?

HIV is transmitted when bodily fluids carrying HIV (blood, semen, vaginal fluids, breast milk or anal mucus) pass from a person with HIV into the bloodstream of a person who does not have HIV.

HIV can be transmitted in several ways, but for gay, bi and other men who have sex with men, most infections occur during anal sex without the protection of condoms, PrEP or an undetectable viral load (UVL). Other forms of transmission include vaginal/front hole sex without condoms and sharing injecting equipment.

For people who do not have HIV, they can prevent acquiring HIV by being responsible for their health using condoms, PrEP or PEP. HIV positive people on treatment with a UVL will not transmit HIV to their partners.

How Does HIV Affect Health?

When left untreated, HIV causes damage to the immune system over time although the precise impact can vary from person to person. Among other things, a damaged immune system can impact on a person’s ability to fight off infections and illnesses. When someone contracts HIV they may experience something called a ‘seroconversion illness’ which is associated with flu like symptoms. Not everyone will get this illness.

Adhering to HIV treatment will reduce the risk of developing adverse health conditions associated with HIV. The Start Study found that commencing treatment immediately after infection makes a significant difference to a person’s health outcomes. Many people with HIV consider the condition a manageable illness. With appropriate care, treatment and support, the impact of HIV on a person’s health and life expectancy can be greatly reduced.

Find out more about HIV prevention, testing and treatment on our Ending HIV website

HIV Prevention Basics

There are a range of ways to prevent HIV. Sometimes the use of various strategies to prevent HIV is referred to as ‘combination prevention’. Combination prevention includes the use of condoms, PrEP, PEP,  having an Undetectable Viral Load (UVL) or Treatment as Prevention (TasP) otherswise known as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U).

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of HIV medication to keep HIV negative people from contracting HIV.

When PrEP was first introduced, taking it daily was the recommendation for everyone. Since then, research supports the safety of taking PrEP in other ways that are just as effective as daily dosing.

Today, PrEP can be taken daily, on-demand or periodically.

Read more about the different ways to take PrEP on our Ending HIV website.

PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV but PrEP does not prevent the transmission of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For this reason, it is recommended that people who are taking PrEP to test for STIs every three months.

People who are using PrEP should consider maintaining their condom use, particularly for casual partners.

PrEP is now available on the PBS, making it affordable and accessible across Australia.

Find out more about how to access PrEP on our Ending HIV website.

Condoms & Lube

Condoms prevent or reduce the exchange of semen, vaginal fluid, or blood between partners during sex. When used with lube, condoms are a highly effective way to ‘stay safe’ and prevent HIV transmission.

Condoms also offer protection against a range of other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). They do this by preventing the transfer of bodily fluids or by covering affected genital areas.

Find out more about using condoms and staying safe on our Ending HIV website.

Undetectable Viral Load (UVL) & U = U

When a person living with HIV is on effective treatment, they often achieve what is called an undetectable viral load (UVL). This means that HIV is no longer able to be detected in their body by viral load tests, meaning the amount of virus is extremely low. Many people refer to this as being “undetectable”.

U=U, which stands for ‘undetectable equals untransmittable’, emphasizes the science behind undetectable, declaring it a safe and effective way of preventing transmission. On dating apps, some guys have started to use the term in their profiles to help communicate their undetectable status.

There has never been a case of a person with an undetectable viral load passing on HIV to a sexual partner, a fact backed up by major international studies. For this reason, using treatment to prevent HIV (TasP) is considered effective and safe.

Find out more about UVL, U = U and TasP on our Ending HIV website.

HIV Prevention Basics

There are a range of ways to prevent acquiring HIV, referred to as combination prevention. This includes the use of condoms, PrEP and/or choosing partners with an undetectable viral load (UVL).

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of HIV medication to keep HIV negative people from contracting HIV. In Australia, taking pills orally is most commonly available option for PrEP. Depending on how one identifies and how frequently they have sex, there are different options for how to take PrEP including:

• Daily: suitable for everyone and involves just one pill a day ongoing
• On-demand: suitable for cis men who have sex with men only, and involves taking pills at specific times around sex

PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV when taken as prescribed. Although PrEP does not prevent the transmission of other STIs, which can, in turn, increase the possibility of HIV infection. This is why we encourage people who are taking PrEP to regularly check in with their sexual health provider.  If any STIs do occur, get them treated and follow the advice of your sexual health provider.

People who are using PrEP should consider maintaining their condom use, particularly for casual partners, until you are aware of their testing regimen.

PrEP is now available on the PBS, making it affordable and accessible across Australia. Find out more information on how you can access PrEP now here.

Find out more about PrEP

Condoms & Lube

Condoms prevent or reduce the exchange of semen, vaginal fluid or blood between partners during sex. When used with lube, condoms are a highly effective way to ‘stay safe’ and prevent HIV transmission.

Condoms also offer protection against a range of other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). They do this by preventing the transfer of bodily fluids or by covering affected genital areas.

Find out more about using condoms and staying safe

Undetectable Viral Load (UVL) & Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U)

When a person living with HIV is on effective treatment, they often achieve what is called an “undetectable viral load”. This means that HIV is no longer able to be detected in their bodies by viral load tests, meaning the amount of virus is their bodies is extremely low. Many people refer to this as being “undetectable”.

In terms of HIV prevention, there has never been a case of a person with an undetectable viral load passing on HIV to a sexual partner, a fact backed up by major international studies.

“U=U” (Undetectable = Untransmittable) is a term that acknowledges the benefits of taking treatment to achieve an undetectable viral load, specifically regarding preventing the onwards transmission of HIV.

Find out more about UVL

Other Risk Reduction Strategies

There are a range of other strategies that can reduce, but don’t eliminate, the risk of HIV transmission.

These strategies include: ensuring HIV-negative partners are insertive (i.e. the ‘top’); ensuring partners have the same HIV status (i.e. pos-pos or neg-neg); and  the insertive partner “pulling out” before ejaculation. All these strategies carry risks that vary according to practice and circumstance.

Use the Risk Calculator on the Ending HIV website

Our Ending HIV Initiative

Help Us End HIV Transmission In NSW

Our Ending HIV initiative aims to educate, inform and support gay, bi and other men who have sex with men – the population group in NSW most at risk from HIV – about the real possibility that HIV transmission in NSW could be virtually eliminated  as a result of advances in testing technologies, prevention strategies and HIV treatments.

The campaign seeks to educate about three key activities they need to undertake to help end the epidemic:

1) Test Often – sexually active gay, bi and other men who have sex with men need to get tested for HIV every 3 months, as this is the only way that undiagnosed infections can be decreased and access to treatment can be increased

2) Treat Early – advances in HIV medicines offer improved health benefits for people with HIV and can reduce traces of the virus in their body to an undetectable level, eliminating the risk of them transmitting HIV

3) Stay Safe – condoms, PrEP, PEP and other risk reduction strategies offer a range of options for preventing the transmission of HIV  and remain central to maintaining a culture of safe sex

Launched in 2013, the campaign forms a key part of the NSW HIV Strategy, a plan committed to achieving the virtual elimination of HIV transmission in NSW.

Find out more about our Ending HIV initiative

Test Often

Knowing your HIV status is vital to our efforts to end HIV transmission in NSW.

For gay, bi and other men who have sex with men, it’s recommended to get tested for HIV and STIs every three months while sexually active. People who are not sexually active or in a monogamous relationship may test less frequently but at least annually.

Benefits of Testing

Many new HIV transmissions in NSW occur when someone thinks they’re negative when they are actually positive. That’s because it can take years before HIV symptoms are noticeable.

Testing regularly so you know your HIV status allows you to protect your health and the health of your sexual partners.

If you find out you have HIV, you can start on HIV treatment to protect your health. There are plenty of services available to assist you with a new HIV diagnosis, including many provided by ACON.

Getting Tested

Now that rapid HIV testing is available in NSW, testing for HIV is easier than ever, with results available in around 30 minutes.

You can get tested for HIV at any of ACON’s services, at a sexual health clinic or GP.

There are other testing technologies that are approved for use in Australia, such as

a[TEST]

ACON testing services include a[TEST] Surry Hills, a[TEST] Oxford St, and a[TEST] Chinese Clinic. Bookings are essential.

a[TEST] Oxford Street

Located at 167 Oxford Street Surry Hills and open from Monday to Friday from 11am-6.15pm and Saturdays from 11:30am to 2:30pm.

a[TEST] Surry Hills

Located at 414 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills and open on Wednesdays from 2pm to 6.45pm.

a[TEST] Chinese Clinic

Our a[TEST] clinic operated with a peer and nurse who can speak Mandarin, this service welcomes both Mandarin speaking and non-Mandarin speaking clients.

Located at 414 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills and open on Thursdays from 2pm to 6.45pm.

For more information or to find your nearest testing location visit the Ending HIV website.

Treat Early

By getting on treatment, people living with HIV can improve their health and help prevent HIV transmission.

Benefits of Treatment

For people living with HIV, treatment keeps the immune system healthy and reduces the risk of developing health conditions associated with HIV.

Research shows that when a person living with HIV is on effective treatment and has had a sustained undetectable viral load (UVL) for six months, it is not possible for them to transmit the virus to a sexual partner.

Who’s On Treatment?

Over 95% of people living with diagnosed HIV in NSW are on treatment. We need to maintain this number if we’re going to reach our goal of ending HIV transmission.

Why Early Treatment?

You may not know you’ve contracted HIV, but in the early stages of a new HIV infection the amount of HIV virus in your body (viral load) is very high. Having a high viral load greatly increases the risk of HIV transmission. This is why HIV is more likely to be transmitted by people who don’t know they’ve got HIV and during the early stages of their infection.

It’s important to test regularly and, in the case of a positive result, get onto treatment early. If you know your HIV status, you can make informed choices about your health, including HIV treatment and sexual health.

Find Out More

For more information about HIV treatment, please visit our Ending HIV website.

Stay Safe

There are a range of ways to prevent HIV. Sometimes the use of various strategies to prevent HIV is referred to as ‘combination prevention’. Combination prevention includes the use of condoms, PrEP, Undetectable Viral Load (UVL) also known as U = U and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis).

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is the use of HIV medication to keep HIV negative people from contracting HIV.

When PrEP was first introduced, taking it daily was the recommendation for everyone. Since then, research has found there to be new ways for taking PrEP that are just as effective as daily dosing.

Today, PrEP can be taken daily, on-demand or periodically.

Read more about the different ways to take PrEP on our Ending HIV website.

PrEP is highly effective at preventing HIV but PrEP does not prevent the transmission of other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For this reason, we encourage people who are taking PrEP to test for STIs every three months.

People who are using PrEP should consider maintaining their condom use, particularly for casual partners.

PrEP is now available on the PBS, making it affordable and accessible across Australia.

Find out more about how to access PrEP on our Ending HIV website.

Condoms & Lube

Condoms prevent or reduce the exchange of semen, vaginal fluid, or blood between partners during sex. When used with lube, condoms are a highly effective way to ‘stay safe’ and prevent HIV transmission.

Condoms also offer protection against a range of other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). They do this by preventing the transfer of bodily fluids or by covering affected genital areas.

on our Ending HIV website.

Undetectable Viral Load (UVL) & U = U

When a person living with HIV is on effective treatment, they often achieve what is called an “undetectable viral load”. This means that HIV is no longer able to be detected in their body by viral load tests, meaning the amount of virus is extremely low. Many people refer to this as being “undetectable”.

There has never been a case of a person with an undetectable viral load passing on HIV to a sexual partner, a fact backed up by major international studies. The term “U=U” stands for “undetectable = untransmittable” and refers to this groundbreaking science.

Find out more about UVL and TasP on our Ending HIV website.

HIV Self Testing

HIV self-testing (HST) devices allow for discretion in the HIV testing process for those who may feel more comfortable testing in this way or who may not be able to physically attend a testing service.

While there is an option to buy HST devices from overseas, we encourage people to purchase TGA-approved HST devices, as quality assurance is provided as well as local contact information for support and follow-up.

As these devices are screening tests, the possible results are ‘reactive’, ‘negative’ (non-reactive), or ‘invalid’. Any reactive result needs to be confirmed by a diagnostic test conducted by a healthcare professional.

HIV self-tests work by detecting HIV antibodies, which the immune system produces anywhere between 2 weeks to 3 months after exposure to the virus. Because of this window period, HIV self-test devices may not provide a conclusive result until up to 3 months after a risk of exposure.

If you are considering self-testing for HIV, it’s important to make sure you know who to contact so you can be linked into care, support and diagnostic testing services. For this reason, we also suggest that people not test alone and test at times when relevant support services are operating.

HIV self-testing in Australia

The HIV self-test is a finger-prick blood test that you can perform on yourself, at home or elsewhere, and receive results in 15 minutes. The testing kit, which you can order online for free, comes as an easy-to-use device with directions.

Get Free HIV Self-Tests in NSW:

• au: Order a year’s supply (one every 3 months) of free HIV self-tests online at hivtest.au if you live in Australia and are over 18.
• MyTest: Find free HIV self-test kits in vending machines at various locations across NSW. Simply visit a machine, scan the QR code with your phone, and follow the instructions (must be 18+).

For more detailed information on approved HIV self-testing in Australia, visit the Health Equity Matters website. Or if you’d like more general information about HIV self-testing kits check out this article on HIV self-tests on the Ending HIV website.

Other Testing Options

Gay, bi and queer men (cis and trans) have several HIV testing options:

Free rapid HIV tests are provided at a[TEST] as part of a comprehensive HIV and sexual health testing at sites on Oxford St and in Surry Hills. Book a test at our a[TEST] service here.

Standard laboratory testing is available through most GPs and at all sexual health services. Find out where you can get tested on our Ending HIV website.

Gay Friendly GPs

When it comes to sexual health, lots of gay men like to speak with a supportive doctor who understands the ins and outs of gay sex.

Download a full list of Gay Friendly GPs here (Updated: May 2018)

HIV Testing

Knowing your HIV status is vital to our efforts to end HIV transmission in NSW.

For gay, bi and other men who have sex with men, it’s recommended to get tested for HIV and STIs every three months while sexually active. People who are not sexually active or in a monogamous relationship may test less frequently, but at least annually.

Benefits of Testing

Many new HIV transmissions in NSW occur because someone may think they’re negative when they are actually positive. That’s because it can take years before HIV symptoms are noticeable.

Testing regularly so you know your HIV status allows you to protect your health and the health of your sexual partners.

If you find out you have HIV, you can start on HIV treatment to maintain your health. There are plenty of services available to assist you with a new HIV diagnosis, including many provided by ACON.

Getting Tested

Now that rapid HIV testing is available in NSW, testing for HIV is easier than ever, with results available in around 30 minutes.

You can get tested for HIV at any of ACON’s  services or any

There are other testing technologies that are approved for use in Australia, such as home-based testing kits.

a[TEST]

ACON testing services include a[TEST] Surry Hills, a[TEST] Oxford St, and a[TEST] Chinese Clinic. Bookings are required and a face mask is required for entry.

a[TEST] Oxford Street

Located at 167 Oxford Street Surry Hills and open from Monday to Friday from 11am-6.15pm and Saturdays from 11:30am to 2:30pm.

a[TEST] Surry Hills

Located at 414 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills and open on Wednesdays from 2pm to 6.45pm.

a[TEST] Chinese Clinic

Our a[TEST] clinic operated with a peer and nurse who can speak Mandarin, this service welcomes both Mandarin speaking and non-Mandarin speaking clients.

Located at 414 Elizabeth Street Surry Hills and open on Thursdays from 2pm to 6.45pm.

For more information or to make an appointment with any of our a[TEST] services visit the Ending HIV website here.

Workshops for gay, bi+, queer men (trans and cis) 18+.

ACON offers a range of FREE workshops for same-sex attracted guys ages 18+ (trans and cis).

Our workshops are designed by the community and are run by Peer Educations’ Volunteer Facilitators who are also gay, bi+ and queer!

Each of our workshops is different and aims to explore a topic that matters to our community. Some of the topics our workshops cover:

• How to navigate sexuality and identity.
• How to have safe, consensual, and enjoyable sex.
• How to develop and maintain healthy relationships.
• How to use dating apps and navigate hook up culture.

Each of our workshops also provides participants with the latest sexual health and STI information available in a fun and sex-positive way.

Each group runs with 10-16 people and runs over four weeks.

Register for our current workshops below.

Workshops for gay, bi+, queer men aged 18-26 (SPARK)

Our Young gay, bi+, queer Men’s Project, SPARK, offers a range of FREE workshops for young gay, bi+, queer guys (trans and cis) aged 18-26 years old.

Participating in a workshop is a great way to make new friends in a safe social environment and learn more about identity, coming out, sex and sexual health, HIV, relationships, the LGBTI community and other relevant topics.

There are usually between 10 and 14 guys in each group. Our workshops are facilitated by trained community volunteers and run over four sessions. Workshops happen at ACON’s offices in central Sydney and some regional offices.

Please contact youth@acon.org.au for more information.

Free Condoms

Slip It On!

Condoms prevent or reduce the exchange of semen, vaginal fluid or blood between partners during sex. When used with lube, condoms are a highly effective way to stay safe and prevent HIV transmission.

Condoms also offer protection against a range of other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). They do this by preventing the transfer of bodily fluids or by covering affected genital areas.

To help prevent the transmission of HIV and other STIs, ACON distributes over 230,000 condoms and safe sex packs every year to a range of community venues, clinics and events.

To find out where you can get free condoms near you, visit the Ending HIV website here.  Alternatively, you can order a kit of safe sex supplies and have it delivered to an address in NSW for free by filling out the form here.

To get free condoms at your community venue, event, or clinic, contact your nearest ACON office.

ACON Sexperts

Sexperts: What’s It All About?

The Sexperts Project is a fun and empowering initiative in Sydney designed for the LGBTQ+ community, particularly gay, bisexual, men who have sex with men, and trans-inclusive individuals. Whether you’re curious about sexual health or wondering if becoming a Sexpert is for you, we’re here to answer all your questions!

Our Sexperts are a passionate group of volunteers trained in HIV and sexual health. You’ve probably seen them at places like Sydney City Steam (357), Sauna X by 357, Sydney Sauna, or Arrows—rocking bold T-shirts that say, “Ask us anything”. They’re the go-to crew for friendly, judgement-free chats about HIV, STI testing, and everything sexual health.

Why You’ll Love Connecting with the Sexperts

– Get the Info You Need: Have questions about sexual health? We’re here to provide answers in a safe, open space.
– Real Talk: Learn from people in your community who truly get it—no judgement, just support.
– Empowerment: Whether you want to volunteer or just stay informed, the Sexperts are all about giving YOU the tools to take charge of your health.

Thinking About Becoming a Sexpert?

It’s not just volunteering—it’s joining a fun, dynamic group making a real impact in our community. You’ll get:

– Training in HIV and sexual health
– Opportunities to connect with others at events and venues
– The chance to make a difference while having fun

Got Questions or Want to Join? Call 9206 2102 or visit sexperts@acon.org.au.

Let’s have a chat! Whether you’re keen to join or just curious, we’d love to connect. Together, we’re making a difference—one conversation at a time.