Sexual Health- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Sexual Health- HIV

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. Without treatment, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). The body can no longer fight off common infections and leads to death.

Stages-
- Stage 1: Acute infection may cause flu‐like illness
- Stage 2: Chronic infection may or may not have symptoms.
- Stage 3: AIDS
Transmission-
- Transmitted during oral, anal, or vaginal sex without condom.
- Sharing needles to inject drugs
- Pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding
  - HIV is NOT transmitted through-
    - Air or water
    - Saliva, sweat, tears, or closed mouth kissing
    - Pets or insects
    - Sharing toilets, food, or drinks
Testing : Blood test
Treatment: There is no cure.
- Anti-retroviral medication prevents the virus from replicating in the body and progression of the disease.
  - Virus becomes undetectable in the blood and can’t be transmitted.
- PEP (post‐exposure prophylaxis)
  - Pill used to prevent infection if may have been exposed to HIV
  - Start within 72 hours of exposure*
  - Will have your HIV level drawn 4-6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after starting medication.
    - If HIV level remains negative after each blood draw during those 6 months, then the virus did not replicate, and you are no longer at risk of contracting HIV or transmitting the virus to others
Prevention:
- External condoms- 99% effective*
- PrEP (pre‐exposure prophylaxis)
  - Pill or shot used to prevent HIV infection- 99% effective.
  - Option for anyone concerned about getting HIV.
  - Safe and well‐tolerated.
  - Can be no cost: Grant programs and insurance coverage improving.

Source- CDC

Refer to the Birth Control and Contraception page for testing and treatment services and resources.* Refer to the Sexually Transmitted Infection page for HIV information and contraception use.

We>HIV– Resource that provides prevention and treatment of HIV and sexually transmitted infections across the nation