HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) affects your immune system and if left untreated can lead to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). There is no vaccine to protect you from getting HIV. However, some people who are at risk can take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), which is one tablet every day.
PEP (Post Exposure Prophylaxis) is an anti-viral medication to prevent HIV infection if you suspect you may have been exposed to the virus. PEP must be started within 72 hours of an exposure to HIV and be taken correctly over a 28-day treatment period to be effective.
You can protect yourself against HIV by using condoms and following safe injecting practices.
There is no cure for HIV, but there is effective treatment to manage the effects of the virus and make the virus undetectable (so you are no longer infectious). Treatment for HIV is lifelong.