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HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is a virus that attacks cells in the immune system which is our body’s natural defense against illness. As HIV destroys more cells in the body, it gradually weakens a person’s immune system, making it harder to fight off diseases and infections if left untreated.
While the human body cannot get rid of HIV and no effective cure for HIV exists, people with HIV who are on effective treatment can live a long and healthy life. The treatment for HIV is called Antiretroviral Therapy. If HIV is left untreated, the immune system may become so severely damaged that it can no longer defend itself at all.
For additional information, please visit: hiv.gov.
HIV is found in body fluids such as blood, semen, breastmilk, or vaginal and rectal fluids of someone living with HIV. A person can only contract HIV if the virus is transmitted into their bloodstream through any of the following ways:
HIV cannot spread through sweat, saliva or urine; the virus cannot be passed through coughing, sneezing, or hugging with a person who is HIV positive.
For additional information, please visit: webmd.com/hiv-aids.
While anyone can get HIV, there are various steps you can take to reduce your risk of getting or transmitting HIV. Below are some of the strategies for prevention:
Getting tested is the only way to know your HIV status. The CDC recommends that every person between 13 and 64 years old should get tested at least one time as part of routine care, even for those who don’t believe they are at risk. People who have a higher risk of contracting HIV, such as individuals with multiple partners and sexually active gay and bisexual men, should get tested more often, such as every 3 to 6 months.
If you have experienced any of the following, you should get an HIV test as soon as possible:
Pregnant women and those who want to put their mind at ease should also talk to their healthcare provider about getting tested for HIV.
Testing is the only way to learn if you have HIV, as the symptoms of HIV vary depending on the person and the phase of infection. For example, some people can experience flu-like symptoms within 2-4 weeks of contracting the virus. However, many people don’t have symptoms at first and may not experience symptoms for years or decades. In the case that HIV is not treated, individuals usually go through the following stages:
You can obtain an HIV test by asking your healthcare provider. You can also access tests at many health clinics, community centers, hospitals, and even some pharmacies. To find a testing site near you, visit: gettested.cdc.gov, or call 1-800-232-4636.
Most health insurance plans cover HIV testing, and some testing sites may offer low-cost or free tests.
You can also opt for HIV self-testing. OraQuick is the only FDA-approved antibody test you can take at home. This test produces results in about 20 minutes. You can purchase the rapid self-test kit at a pharmacy or online at oraquick.com/.
There are various testing methods available to determine HIV infection. Ask your doctor which of the following is right for you.
People with HIV can live a healthy life with early and appropriate treatment. The treatment for HIV is called antiretroviral therapy (ART), which involves taking a combination of medicines that slow the progression of the virus in your body. ART can’t cure HIV, but it helps people with HIV live longer, healthier lives, and the treatment dramatically reduces the risk of HIV transmission, if taken as prescribed. In fact, people who use ART as directed can suppress the virus to the point where it can neither be detected nor transmitted (U=U)! ART is recommended for all people living with HIV regardless of how long a person has had the virus or how healthy they are.
It is recommended that individuals who are newly diagnosed with HIV begin ART as soon as possible, as delaying treatment can have threatening consequences and put individuals at risk of developing opportunistic infections (OIs). Women with HIV who are pregnant and not on HIV medication should talk to their doctor to start HIV treatment as soon as possible.
Individuals should work with a healthcare provider to choose an HIV regimen, or combination of medicines, which will depend on each individual’s unique needs. The goal of the treatment is to reduce the viral load, or amount of HIV in a person’s blood, to an undetectable level. Reaching an undetectable viral load may take 3-6 months from the beginning of treatment. Once the virus is undetectable, it can’t be transmitted (U=U).
Learn more about HIV treatment at: aidsinfo.nih.gov.
Many people confuse HIV and AIDS, as they are related, but not the same. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks a type of white blood cell called CD4 in a person’s body, while AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a condition or set of illnesses which are a result of an immune system damaged by HIV. A person can have HIV and not develop AIDS. However, if left untreated, HIV can develop into AIDS. In the US, most people with HIV receive treatment and so do not develop AIDS, because following an effective HIV treatment slows the progression of the disease. Learn more about the difference between HIV and AIDS below.
HIV is a virus that can lead to immune system deterioration. The term “HIV” stands for human immunodeficiency virus. The name describes the virus: Only humans can contract it, and it attacks the immune system. As a result, the immune system is unable to work as effectively as it should.
Our immune systems can completely clear many viruses our bodies, but that’s not the case with HIV. However, medications can control HIV very successfully by interrupting its viral life cycle.
While HIV is a virus that may cause an infection, AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a condition. Contracting HIV can lead to the development of AIDS.
AIDS, or stage 3 HIV, develops when HIV has caused serious damage to the immune system. It is a complex condition with symptoms that vary from person to person. Symptoms of AIDS are related to the infections a person may develop as a result of having a damaged immune system that can’t fight them as well. Known collectively as opportunistic infections, they include tuberculosis, pneumonia, and others.
Certain types of cancer become more likely when an immune system works less effectively as well. Adherence to antiretroviral therapy can prevent AIDS from developing.
The content for this page was compiled from several public information sources. We would like to thank and give credit to the following sources:
What is HIV?
How can someone get HIV?
How can I prevent myself from getting HIV?
When should I get tested for HIV?
What are the symptoms of HIV?
How can HIV be treated?
What is the link between HIV and AIDS?