What Is HIV?

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks cells that help the body fight infection, making a person more vulnerable to other infections and diseases. It is spread by contact with certain bodily fluids of a person with HIV, most commonly during unprotected sex (sex without a condom or HIV medicine to prevent or treat HIV), or through sharing injection drug equipment.

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If left untreated, HIV can lead to the disease AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

The human body can’t get rid of HIV and no effective HIV cure exists. So, once you have HIV, you have it for life.  Luckily, however, effective treatment with HIV medicine (called antiretroviral therapy or ART) is available. If taken as prescribed, HIV medicine can reduce the amount of HIV in the blood (also called the viral load) to a very low level. This is called viral suppression. If a person’s viral load is so low that a standard lab can’t detect it, this is called having an undetectable viral load. People with HIV who take HIV medicine as prescribed and get and keep an undetectable viral load can live long and healthy lives and will not transmit HIV to their HIV-negative partners through sex.

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What Is AIDS?

AIDS is the late stage of HIV infection that occurs when the body’s immune system is badly damaged because of the virus.

In the U.S., most people with HIV do not develop AIDS because taking HIV medicine as prescribed stops the progression of the disease.

A person with HIV is considered to have progressed to AIDS when:

• the number of their CD4 cells falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood (200 cells/mm3). (In someone with a healthy immune system, CD4 counts are between 500 and 1,600 cells/mm3.) OR

• they develop one or more opportunistic infections regardless of their CD4 count.

Without HIV medicine, people with AIDS typically survive about 3 years. Once someone has a dangerous opportunistic illness, life expectancy without treatment falls to about 1 year. HIV medicine can still help people at this stage of HIV infection, and it can even be lifesaving. But people who start HIV medicine soon after they get HIV experience more benefits—that’s why HIV testing is so important.

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How Do I Know If I Have HIV?

The only way to know for sure if you have HIV is to get tested. Testing is relatively simple. You can ask your health care provider for an HIV test. Many medical clinics, substance abuse programs, community health centers, and hospitals offer them too. If you test positive, you can be connected to HIV care to start treatment as soon as possible. If you test negative, you have the information you need to take steps to prevent getting HIV in the future.

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What is PrEP?

PrEP, which stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a medication that helps prevent HIV infection in people who are HIV-negative. It is a highly effective way to reduce the risk of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use. ). 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• What it does:

PrEP works by preventing HIV from replicating in the body, effectively blocking the virus from establishing an infection. 

• Who it's for:

PrEP is for individuals who are HIV-negative and at risk of contracting HIV. This includes people who have had anal or vaginal sex in the past 6 months and have a partner with HIV, haven't consistently used condoms, or have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection. 

• Effectiveness:

When taken as prescribed, PrEP is highly effective, reducing the risk of HIV infection from sex by up to 99%. 

• Important considerations:

  • PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). 

  • Regular HIV testing is recommended for individuals taking PrEP. 

  • PrEP may not be suitable for everyone, and a healthcare provider can help determine if it's the right option. 

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What is PEP?

PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, is a medication regimen used to prevent HIV infection in individuals who may have been exposed to the virus. It involves taking antiretroviral medications as soon as possible after a potential exposure, ideally within 72 hours. PEP is an emergency measure and should not be used as a substitute for other prevention methods like PrEP or condoms. 

Here's a more detailed explanation:

• What it is:

PEP is a short-term course of HIV medications taken after a potential exposure to HIV to prevent the virus from establishing a permanent infection. 

• When to use it:

PEP is for individuals who have had a recent potential exposure to HIV, such as through sexual contact, sharing needles, or a workplace accident (e.g., a needlestick injury). 

• How it works:

The medications in PEP help prevent HIV from replicating in the body, potentially stopping the infection from taking hold. 

• When to start:

PEP must be started within 72 hours of exposure, but the sooner it's started, the more effective it is. 

• Duration:

The PEP regimen typically lasts for 28 days. 

• Not a replacement for other methods:

PEP is not a substitute for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis), which is taken daily to prevent HIV infection before exposure, or for other safer sex practices like using condoms. 

• Availability:

PEP is available at emergency rooms, sexual health clinics, and some general practice clinics. 

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