HIV/AIDS/STD Frequently Asked Questions

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is the virus that, if untreated, can lead to AIDS. AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the advanced stage of HIV infection, defined by a CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³ or the presence of AIDS-defining conditions (opportunistic infections or certain cancers). Not all HIV-positive people develop AIDS — with proper ART treatment, most people with HIV never progress to AIDS and live near-normal, healthy lives.

With a 4th-generation HIV antigen/antibody test (ELISA), HIV can typically be detected 18–45 days after exposure. With an HIV RNA PCR test, detection is possible as early as 10–14 days after exposure. Testing too early can produce a false negative — Dr. Monga will advise the correct test type and timing based on your specific situation and the date of exposure.

As of 2025, there is no approved cure for HIV. However, modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) is extremely effective — it suppresses the virus to undetectable levels, preserves immune function, prevents progression to AIDS, eliminates sexual transmission risk (U=U), and allows HIV-positive individuals to live near-normal lives with near-normal life expectancy. HIV is a manageable chronic condition, not a death sentence.

Many people with HIV experience no clear symptoms for months or years. When symptoms do occur, the acute HIV infection (AHI) phase — typically 2–4 weeks after exposure — may cause flu-like symptoms: fever, fatigue, sore throat, rash, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, headache. These symptoms are non-specific and easily attributed to other causes. After the acute phase, HIV often causes no symptoms for years. This is why testing is the only reliable way to know your status.

No. HIV is transmitted through specific bodily fluids: blood, semen, vaginal/rectal fluids, and breast milk. It is not transmitted through saliva, tears, sweat, sharing food or utensils, hugging, shaking hands, using the same toilet, or through the air. Everyday social contact carries no HIV transmission risk.

PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) is emergency HIV prevention medicine taken after a potential HIV exposure. It is a 28-30 day course of antiretroviral medicines that must begin within 72 hours of exposure — ideally within 2 hours. After 72 hours, PEP is no longer effective. If you are within 72 hours of a potential exposure, call Dr. Monga immediately.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is taken before potential exposures by HIV-negative individuals at ongoing risk — it's a preventive strategy, not an emergency treatment. PEP is taken after a specific exposure has occurred. PrEP is over 99% effective when taken consistently. It requires regular HIV testing (every 3 months) and kidney function monitoring. Dr. Monga assesses eligibility and prescribes PrEP for appropriate patients.

For HIV/AIDS/STD consultations, online consultation with an experienced specialist like Dr. Monga is medically equivalent to an in-person visit. The assessment, counselling, and prescription are the same. Home sample collection handles the diagnostic tests. More than 70% of Dr. Monga's patients are managed remotely.

Yes. 100% confidential. Dr. Monga Medi Clinic does not share patient information with insurance companies, employers, family members, or any third party without your explicit written consent. Online consultations, home sample collection, and medicine delivery are all handled with full discretion. Medicines are delivered in plain, unmarked packaging.

The consultation fee is ₹2,000, which includes the full clinical assessment, counselling, and prescription (if indicated). Diagnostic tests (home collection) and medicines are separate costs and are discussed transparently during the consultation. PEP medicines typically cost ₹2,500–₹12,000 for a 28-day course depending on the specific regimen and whether branded or generic formulations are used.

Dr. Monga tests and treats HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Chlamydia, Herpes (HSV 1 and 2), HPV, Trichomonas, Mycoplasma, and other sexually transmitted infections. Complete STD panels are available via home sample collection. Treatment for positive results is prescribed and managed by Dr. Monga, with medicines delivered to your address.

Yes. HIV-positive individuals are recommended to receive: Hepatitis B vaccine (if not immune), annual inactivated influenza vaccine, pneumococcal vaccines (PCV + PPSV23), HPV vaccine, meningococcal vaccine, Hepatitis A vaccine, and Td/Tdap boosters. Some live vaccines require caution based on CD4 count. Note: there is no HIV vaccine — these vaccines protect against other infections. See our dedicated vaccinations page for full details.

Yes. PEP, PrEP, and ART medicines can be arranged for home delivery after a consultation with Dr. Monga. The medicines are delivered in plain, unmarked packaging to your address anywhere in India. This service is arranged as part of the consultation — Dr. Monga or the clinic team coordinates the delivery.

Dr. Monga's physical clinics are in Delhi NCR (Lajpat Nagar, DLF Gurugram, Dwarka). For Mumbai patients, the complete care pathway is available remotely: consultation by phone/video, home sample collection in Mumbai, and discreet medicine delivery. There is no physical clinic in Mumbai — but this is an advantage, not a limitation: remote care means complete privacy and no physical identification with an HIV clinic.

Book a confidential consultation with Dr. Monga. Do not self-diagnose based on internet searches or treat yourself with over-the-counter medicines — many STDs have no obvious symptoms, and incorrect or incomplete treatment can worsen the condition or lead to antibiotic resistance. Dr. Monga will assess your situation, arrange appropriate home sample collection, and provide a proper treatment plan.