drakky-logo

5 Things to Know Not to Be Afraid of HIV

5 Things to Know Not to Be Afraid of HIV

HIV, or human immunodeficiency virus, is a virus that attacks the immune system and can cause AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. However, being diagnosed with HIV does not mean that you have AIDS or that you will die soon. Thanks to advances in science and medicine, people with HIV can live long and healthy lives and prevent transmitting the virus to others. Here are five things to know not to be afraid of HIV:

  1. HIV can be treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART). ART is a combination of medicines that reduces the amount of HIV in the body to a very low level, which keeps the immune system working and prevents illness. This is called viral suppression or having an undetectable viral load 1. People with HIV who take ART as prescribed and achieve viral suppression can stay healthy and have a normal life expectancy 2.
  2. HIV cannot be transmitted by people who have an undetectable viral load. Studies have shown that people with HIV who take ART as prescribed and have an undetectable viral load do not transmit HIV to their sexual partners 3. This is sometimes referred to as treatment as prevention or U=U (undetectable equals untransmittable) 4. Therefore, people with HIV who are virally suppressed do not have to fear infecting others through sex.
  1. HIV can be prevented with pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). PrEP is a daily pill that can prevent HIV infection among people who are at high risk, such as those who have sex without condoms or share needles 5. PEP is a course of medicines that can prevent HIV infection after a possible exposure, such as a condom break or a needle stick . Both PrEP and PEP are highly effective if taken correctly and consistently.
  2. HIV testing is easy, fast, and confidential. Knowing your HIV status is important for your health and the health of others. You can get tested for HIV at a health care provider, a testing site, or at home with a self-test kit . Most tests are simple and painless, such as a finger prick or an oral swab, and can give results in minutes. If you test positive for HIV, you can start treatment right away and protect yourself and your partners. If you test negative for HIV, you can take steps to stay negative, such as using condoms or taking PrEP.
  3. HIV stigma and discrimination are not justified and can be overcome. People living with or at risk for HIV may face stigma and discrimination from various sources, such as health care providers, employers, family members, and community members. This can have negative effects on their mental health, social support, access to care and services, adherence to treatment, and quality of life . However, stigma and discrimination are not based on facts or science, but on fear and ignorance. People living with or at risk for HIV can challenge stigma and discrimination by educating themselves and others about HIV, seeking support from peers and allies, asserting their rights, and speaking out against injustice.

HIV is not a death sentence or a reason to be afraid. With proper treatment, prevention, testing, and support, people with HIV can live well and avoid transmitting the virus to others. By knowing the facts about HIV and fighting stigma and discrimination, we can all contribute to ending the epidemic.