Zika Virus and HIV/AIDS: Similarities and Differences

published on February 8, 2016 by Warren Tong, in The Body

If you've been following or even skimming the news, no doubt you've heard about the current Zika outbreak, which has been drawing comparisons to the HIV pandemic (as well as the recent Ebola epidemic). So, what is Zika, and how does it compare with HIV?

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We have known for a long time that HIV can be transmitted sexually. However, if the HIV-positive partner is on treatment and has an undetectable viral load, the risk of transmission is almost reduced to zero. This strategy is known as "treatment as prevention." In fact, two large studies found zero HIV transmissions when the positive partner had an undetectable viral load. In addition to treatment as prevention, we also can offer HIV-negative individuals pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a daily pill that, when taken, can also greatly reduce transmission risk.

Saliva and urine: Brazilian researchers say they have found active levels of Zika virus in saliva and urine. However, this does not mean transmission is possible through saliva and urine. More research will be needed to shed light on that.

HIV cannot be transmitted through saliva and urine, despite this also being a common myth and frequently asked question.

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(Please do not use any of these email addresses to send personal information or book an appointment. To book appointments or contact the H2H clinic, please call 604-416-1517 or fax: 604-564-4893. Do not send your or your client's personal information via email.)

© Copyright BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS
St. Paul's Hospital 608–1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6Z 1Y6
Tel: 604-806-8477 | Fax: 604-806-9044
General inquiries: info@bccfe.ca
Media inquiries: communications@bccfe.ca
(Please do not use any of these email addresses to send personal information or book an appointment. To book appointments or contact the H2H clinic, please call 604-416-1517 or fax: 604-564-4893. Do not send your or your client's personal information via email.)

Our work serves clients and communities across British Columbia on lands and waters cared for and nurtured by the many distinct First Nations across the province. The BC-CfE humbly and gratefully acknowledge the stewards of these lands, particularly the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh) on whose unceded, traditional and ancestral territories our offices are located.