Breaking Down The Stigma: HIV
HIV can be a bit of an intimidating subject, and trying to learn about it can feel overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be! Let’s start by going over some of the basics: What is HIV?
HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. In the simplest terms, it is a virus that attacks the immune system or the cells that help your body fight infection , making your immune responses to everything weaker. For example- things like a cold or the flu hit a lot harder for someone with HIV than without.
How is HIV Spread?
HIV is spread through contact with infected bodily fluids like semen, blood, anal mucus, vaginal fluids and breastmilk. Most people who get HIV get it through unprotected vaginal or anal sex. The best way to prevent HIV transmission is through proper condom use, as it is the only method of birth control that prevents sexually transmitted infections.
HIV is also spread during needle sharing during drug use, tattoos and or piercings. We’ll be talking mostly about sexual health awareness here, but if you want to learn more about harm reduction please review this fact sheet here.
What are the stages of infection?
Like many diseases, if left untreated HIV can have serious effects on the body. If you do not seek medical attention when infected with HIV it gradually progresses through three stages of infection based on severity.
Stage 1: Acute HIV infection: Symptoms first appear in this stage within 2 to 4 weeks of infection. The symptoms are typically flu-like such as a fever or rash, because the level of HIV in the blood is very high during these early weeks and the risk of transmission is high.
Stage 2: Clinical Latency/Chronic HIV Infection: Also known as asymptomatic HIV infection, the levels of HIV in the body continue to multiply but remain low.
Stage 3: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS): The final and most severe stage of infection. AIDS causes severe damage to the immune system which means the body can no longer fight off infections.
It is important to note that HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. HIV that goes untreated will lead to AIDS, but it is possible for people to live long lives on HIV treatment and not develop AIDS.
More information on HIV symptoms and prevention can be found on the Mayo Clinic and Planned Parenthood websites.
HIV Transmission Prevention PrEP +PEP
The earliest line of defense against HIV is known as PrEP. This is short for pre-exposure prophylaxis, a daily treatment designed to prevent infection from HIV. PrEP is taken BEFORE sex, drug use or other HIV exposure. IT IS NOT for those who already have HIV. Those who have HIV must seek out ART and other forms of treatment. PrEP is available in various forms, primarily pills but long-lasting injectables are available for people unable to stick to a daily regime. PrEP is best for those who are considered high-risk for HIV exposure.
If you have been exposed to HIV you should take PEP or post-exposure prophylaxis. PEP is taken in emergency situations 72 hours after HIV exposure and continued for a month after. PEP can also be taken by those who believe they have been exposed to HIV but are unsure. An exposure could look like: a condom breaking, an accidental needle stick, sharing needles for injecting drugs, unprotected sex, and more.
HIV Treatment: ART
ART is a class of medication only available for people with HIV. It is designed to reduce risk of spreading HIV, keep people with HIV feeling healthy, and prevent the person with HIV from getting worse and progressing through the three stages. Antiretroviral therapy is most often used during the clinical latency stage (stage two) and someone can live here for decades if they properly adhere to their treatment. If someone is following their treatment correctly, the risk of transmission is practically zero. If you need help locating ART medication, please visit www.hiv.gov to find a care provider near you.
Where can I find HIV prevention medication and who should take it?
PEP and PrEP is available for everyone regardless of gender, sexuality and age.* Looking for PEP and PrEP? Don’t worry we can help! Visit our provider finder located here to find a health center in your area to connect you to care.
ICAN! partners with Howard Brown Health, one of the nation’s leading providers of queer-friendly health care. The following locations can be found in our directory and are committed to ensuring that your care is respectful, timely, and accessible no matter your age, gender or sexual orientation.
HIV prevention is an essential part of healthcare and at ICAN! we believe that when a person is screened for their contraceptive needs and desires, they should also receive STI and HIV prevention and education – this includes PrEP education!
*Although it is often only prescribed to those 16+ PrEP can be started as young as 12 years old. Please consult your medical provider for more information.*
