HIV 101
 LEARN THE FACTS

HIV is a virus that targets white blood cells in your body, which can affect the strength of your immune system's ability to fight off infection. Thankfully, there are now HIV treatment options available that can help you manage your viral load, which is the amount of HIV virus copies found in your blood. You want your viral load to be as low as possible. When a person living with HIV is on effective medication with an undetectable viral load, they cannot pass on HIV to their sexual partners. This is widely known as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) and can help people live long, healthy lives.

THE
 GOOD NEWS

HIV prevention is easier than you might think! From pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to condoms to knowing your status, there are many effective ways to protect yourself, your partners, and your community.

BE PrEPARED!

PrEP is a medicine that can substantially reduce the chance of getting HIV through sexual contact when taken as prescribed.

PrEP isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. The availability of multiple options, including long-acting injectable PrEP or a daily oral pill, gives people the flexibility to choose the approach that works best for them.

It’s important to note that PrEP does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy, so PrEP should be used in conjunction with other safer-sex practices such as condoms.

WHEN PrEP IS TAKEN AS PRESCRIBED, IT’S 99% EFFECTIVE AT PREVENTING HIV FROM SEX

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ADDITIONAL PREVENTION OPTIONS

FAQs

  • Can you get HIV from someone who is undetectable?

    No! If a person living with HIV has undetectable levels of the virus, they cannot transmit it to another person. Undetectable = Untransmittable, or U=U, means that a person living with HIV who has sustained, undetectable levels of HIV in their blood cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners. This groundbreaking movement has significantly contributed to reshaping perceptions about HIV and encouraging a sense of empowerment for people living with HIV.

  • Are HIV and AIDS the same thing?

    No. HIV and AIDS are different diagnoses, but they do go hand-in-hand. HIV is a virus that may cause an infection or lead to immune deterioration, while acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a condition. If left untreated, HIV can develop into AIDS as a result of the body’s severely weakened immune system. AIDS is also known as stage 3 HIV.

  • What's the difference between PEP and PrEP?

    PEP and PrEP are both effective HIV prevention tools, but they're used at different times. PEP is for after a possible exposure to HIV, while PrEP is for before possible exposure. PrEP does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy, so PrEP should be used in conjunction with other safer-sex practices such as condoms.

  • How often should I get tested for HIV?

    It's a good idea for everyone between 13 and 64 to get tested for HIV at least once as part of their regular checkups. Think of it as just another part of staying healthy!

Resources

Here’s how you can start conversations around HIV prevention

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