Soon after getting HIV, some people may feel as if they have the flu (fever, headache, tiredness and a rash) but then these symptoms go away by themselves. But they still have HIV. 

People with HIV can look and feel healthy. Many people don't realise they have it because they don't feel or see anything wrong for a long time.

If left untreated, people start getting illnesses years after they first get HIV. 

 If a person has a blood test to check if they have HIV, it can sometimes take up to three months (after infection) for the virus to show up on the blood test.

If left untreated, HIV can cause AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome), a syndrome which occurs when the body's immune system is damaged and cannot fight off infections and cancer.

• Always use condoms or dams and water-based lubricant.
• People who are HIV-positive and on treatment can have an 'undetectable viral load'. This means they cannot pass on HIV to someone else through sex.
• If you choose to inject drugs, avoid sharing needles, syringes or any drug injecting equipment. Always use your own new, sterile needles and syringes and sterile water. Also use your own spoon, swabs, filters, and tourniquets. Wash your hands or wipe your fingers with a new alcohol swab before and after injecting yourself or another person. You can get needles and syringes from most chemists, needle and syringe exchanges, and at country hospitals after hours. Go to Healthy WA (external site) for more information.
• Before considering any body art (such as tattooing or piercing) make sure the body artist uses only sterilised equipment, and new razors, inks and needles each time.
• Don't share personal items such as razors or toothbrushes as they can carry traces of infected blood.
• Speak to your doctor about getting PrEP. PrEP is a medication to prevention in HIV-negative people.