HIV Hub
Find everything you need to know about HIV, prevention, testing, treatment and support
HIV What You Need To Know: multilingual booklets
What are the HIV Basics?
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HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus.
HIV attacks the part of the body that fights infection (immune system).
HIV can be managed with life-long medications that keep people healthy.
If left untreated, HIV will damage the immune system and can lead to Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) which is life threatening. We now call this Advanced HIV.
HIV and AIDS are not the same thing.
Most people with HIV have no symptoms until years later. The only way to know is to get tested.
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HIV spreads through unprotected sex, sharing needles, unsafe tattoo equipment or from parent to baby during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
HIV is not spread through saliva, sweat or tears, or hugging, kissing, sharing food, or using the same toilet.
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Read our blog post co-written with sexual health clinicians to learn more about how to prevent HIV.
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Read our blog post co-written with sexual health clinicians to learn more about how HIV testing options.
How do you prevent HIV?
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Use one condom with water-based lube every time you have sex.
External condoms are recommended for penises or sex toys for penetrative sex, oral sex or anal sex.
Internal condoms are recommended for vaginas or anus for penetrative sex or anal sex.
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Use a new, sterile needle and syringe every time for piercings, tattoos, steroids, cosmetic injections, peptides, or drug use.
Find a map of free Needle and Syringe Program Outlets across NSW.
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Get tested every 6 months or when you change partners.
Keep scrolling to find HIV testing options including self-testing or read our blog post for more information on your options.
Book an appointment for a sexual health check-up at your nearest clinic.
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PrEP is a prescribed medication that prevents HIV. Talk to your doctor or nurse to find out if PrEP would be suitable for you.
PrEP is affordable and available at sexual health clinics, most pharmacies, and online through PrEP Access Now.
No Medicare? Find out about free PrEP for people without a Medicare card using the Sexual Health Info Link. This service is confidential and will not affect your visa, employment or housing opportunities.
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PEP is emergency medication that prevents HIV after an exposure. It must be started within 72 hours. The sooner it’s started the more effective it is.
Go to a hospital Emergency Department or Sexual Health Clinic, no Medicare required.
Contact the PEP Hotline on 1800 737 699
What to know about PrEP (HIV prevention medicine)
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PrEP stands for Pre-exposure prophylaxis and is a prescribed medication that helps prevent HIV.
Taking PrEP can reduce your risk of getting HIV.
PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Using condoms and having STI tests are the best ways to protect yourself against STIs.
For more information about PrEP and how to take it visit healthdirect or PrEP access now.
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You can get free PrEP if you:
do not have Medicare
are on a study, work, humanitarian or refugee visa
have a pension card
are registered with the Close The Gap Program
This program is not for short-stay visitors to Australia or tourists.
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Call the Illawarra and Shoalhaven Sexual Health Service on 4223 8457 (Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm).
Visit your local Sexual Health Clinic. Find your nearest clinic
If you cannot access any clinics, please call Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 and press 5 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:30pm). They can help you find the right service.
If you need language support, call 1800 131 450 for an interpreter.
Go to NSW Health website for more information about the free PrEP program.
Find out more in the Consumer Info Sheet
Private (paid) telehealth options include PrEP Health, sistr, Hey Fella, or Clinic 365
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If you have Medicare and a prescription from a doctor or nurse practitioner, you can get PrEP through the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) at a lowered cost.
PrEP is affordable and available at most pharmacies.
For more information about getting PrEP, visit PrEP Access Now (PAN) or ACON.
Private (paid) telehealth options include PrEP Health, sistr, Hey Fella, or Clinic 365
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Visit the PrEP Access Now website or call Sexual Health Infolink on 1800 451 624 (Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:30pm).
If you need language support, call 1800 131 450 for an interpreter.
PrEP information in other languages
HIV testing and treatment
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There are lots of ways to get an HIV test
a doctor or sexual health clinic
a vending machine
at home self-testing
Many of them are free regardless of if you have Medicare.
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Once a year if you are sexually active.
Every 3 to 6 months if you have multiple partners, have sex without a condom, or are on PrEP.
If you think you may have been exposed to HIV, go to the Sexual Health Clinic or GP as soon as possible to organise testing, prevention medication and follow-up.
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Read our blog post co-written with sexual health clinicians to learn about HIV testing options.
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HIV can be managed with life-long medications that keep people healthy.
When people living with HIV take their treatment every day, they can achieve an ‘undetectable viral load’ and can’t pass on HIV through sex. This is called Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U).
Many people can choose to take their HIV treatment in either a daily pill or injections every 2 months at the Sexual Health Clinic.
How can I test for HIV?
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HIV and STI tests are free at all public sexual health clinics in NSW.
If you have Medicare and visit a bulk-billing GP (a doctor who doesn't charge a gap fee), testing is also free there.
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MyTest is a free HIV self-test kit you can pick up from vending machines around NSW.
The test takes 15 minutes and gives you a result in private.
You only need a mobile number or an email address to register.
No Medicare card or ID is required.
You can get up to four free kits per month.
Your details are kept completely private and won’t be shared with anyone.
The MyTest website also has video instructions in multiple languages.
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A DBS test lets you test for HIV and hepatitis C from home.
You prick your finger, put a few drops of blood on a card, and mail it to a lab. A free DBS test will be sent straight to your door or anywhere you want them delivered.
The service is available to anyone over 18 years old in Australia. No Medicare card needed.
Find out more or register for a DBS test through NSW Health.
NSW Multicultural HIV & Hepatitis Service
If you’re looking for more resources or you’re diagnosed with HIV, you’re not alone. Here’s where to get more information and support.
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HIV Clinical Concierge Program
Provides support to people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities, who are living with HIV. Find out more about the free and confidential service
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ACON
Find community health, inclusion and HIV responses for people of diverse sexuality and genders
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Positive Life NSW
Find peer support, information, referral and advice for all people living with HIV and their friends, family and carers.
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Bobby Goldsmith Foundation
Find support, services and referrals for all people from all walks of life seeking progressive and supportive care.
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Pozhet
Find support, information and advice for heterosexual people at risk of HIV or living with HIV.
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National Association of People with HIV Australia (NAPWHA)
Find HIV peer support to navigate, access and connect with the health and social services systems
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Get PEP
Think you have been exposed to HIV? PEP is a course of medicine that reduces the risk of HIV transmission when taken within 72 hours. Find PEP near you
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Translating and Interpreting Service
If you would like an interpreter to help you access health services or information, you can contact the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450.
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PATSIN
Provides support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with HIV
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Health Equity Matters
The national federation for Australia’s leading HIV organisations recognised for leadership, policy expertise, health promotion, coordination and support. Find LGBTIQA+ resources including multicultural, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Resource Hubs.
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Us Mob and HIV
Useful information on HIV for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people containing information on both men’s and women’s business
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HIV/AIDS Legal Centre (HALC)
Provides free and comprehensive legal assistance (within operational guidelines) to people with HIV and migration support
