What Is HIV?
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) attacks the body’s immune system — our natural defence against infection and disease. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS, the late stage of infection, where the immune system becomes severely weakened. This increases vulnerability to serious illnesses such as pneumonia and certain cancers.
With today’s treatments, people living with HIV can live long, healthy lives.
Undetectable = Untransmissible (U=U)
Taking HIV treatment every day can suppress the virus to a level where it cannot be detected in the blood. When HIV is undetectable, it cannot be passed on to sexual partners. This is known as U=U. Starting treatment early protects your health and prevents transmission. This is why regular HIV testing is so important.
How HIV Is Transmitted
HIV is passed on when certain bodily fluids from a person with untreated HIV enter the body of another person. These fluids include semen, blood, and vaginal secretions.
HIV can be transmitted through:
- Vaginal or anal sex without a condom (most common).
- Sharing needles or other equipment used to inject drugs.
- Pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding if the mother is not on HIV treatment. There is a very small risk of transmission through breastfeeding even when on treatment.
HIV is not transmitted through casual contact, being spiked with a needle in a club, hugging, sharing utensils, or using the same toilet.
Oral sex carries a much lower risk.
Who Can Get HIV?
In 2024, eight people were newly diagnosed with HIV in Bermuda. Sexual contact was the primary mode of transmission, with cases reported among both heterosexual individuals and men who have sex with men. Specific numbers are not published to protect confidentiality.
Preventing HIV
If you choose to have sex without a condom, PrEP (pre‑exposure prophylaxis) is a highly effective medication that prevents HIV. However, PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so it is important to:
- Use condoms consistently
- Test regularly, especially when changing sexual partners
- Know your HIV status and your partner’s status
Support and Services in Bermuda
- CDC reception desk: 246-7711
- Maternal Health reception desk: 444-1711
- STAR (Supportive Therapy for Persons with AIDS and their families)
Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute and private counselling providers such as Solstice who can provide mental health and counselling support for people coping with diagnosis, stigma, anxiety, or relationship concerns.
Additional health and social support services can be found through the Health Council’s Helping Hub directory.