HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).There is currently no cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life, but with proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. People with HIV who get effective HIV [...]
Some people have flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection (called acute HIV infection). These symptoms may last for a few days or several weeks. Possible symptoms include:FeverChillsRashNight sweatsMuscle achesSore throatFatigueSwollen lymph nodesMouth ulcersHowever, some people may not feel sick during acute HIV infection. Other illnesses can also cause these symptoms, so they [...]
Ultimately, HIV is a virus that attacks the immune system and AIDS is a term that can only be used when HIV has caused severe damage to the immune system.Every person who has AIDS has HIV, but not every person with HIV will develop AIDS. Since there are now many treatment options available to people [...]
HIV can be transmitted through blood, semen, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk of a person living with HIV who has a detectable viral load (measurement of the virus in the bloodstream).For transmission to occur, the HIV in these fluids must get into the bloodstream of an HIV-negative person. This can happen through a [...]
HIV can affect anyone regardless of sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, gender, age, or where they live. However, certain groups of people in the United States are more likely to get HIV than others because of certain factors; including the communities in which they live, what subpopulations they belong to, and their risk behaviors.Communities. When you [...]
Testing positive for HIV can feel overwhelming. However, it is important to remember that HIV can be treated with medicines that help people with HIV live longer, healthier lives and reduce their risk of transmission.The first step after testing positive for HIV is to see a healthcare provider, even if you do not feel sick. [...]
If a test result is negative, no antibodies for HIV were detected. A negative test result can also indicate that a person is not infected with HIV or that a person has been exposed but their immune system has not had time to produce antibodies. False negative results may occur when a person is tested [...]
HIV prevention tools are more accessible today than ever before. You can use strategies such as abstinence, never sharing needles, and using protection every time during sex. You may also be able to take advantage of HIV prevention medicines such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication taken to prevent HIV. PrEP, taken once daily, is highly effective for preventing HIV.PrEP reduces the risk of getting HIV by about 99% when taken as prescribed.Although there is less information about how effective PrEP is among people who inject drugs, we do know that PrEP reduces the risk [...]
Most insurance plans and state Medicaid programs cover PrEP. There are also other programs that provide PrEP for free or at a reduced cost:Ready, Set, PrEP makes PrEP medication available at no cost to those who qualify.Co-pay assistance programs help lower the out-of-pocket costs of PrEP medications for those who are insured. Income is not [...]