HIV/AIDS

HIV is the virus; AIDS is the disease. AIDS is diagnosed when HIV has severely damaged the immune system (CD4 count below 200 cells/mm³) or when certain opportunistic infections occur. With effective treatment, many people with HIV never develop AIDS. Modern ART can keep HIV suppressed indefinitely.

HIV spreads through contact with certain body fluids: blood, semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, and breast milk. Main routes: unprotected sex, sharing needles, mother-to-child during pregnancy/birth/breastfeeding. HIV does NOT spread through saliva, tears, sweat, casual contact, or sharing food/drinks.

Undetectable = Untransmittable. When HIV treatment reduces viral load to undetectable levels (maintained for 6+ months), there is effectively zero risk of sexual transmission. This revolutionary finding has transformed HIV prevention and reduced stigma. Regular testing and adherence to ART are essential to maintain undetectable status.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): Daily medication for HIV-negative people at high risk, reducing infection risk by 99%. PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): Emergency medication started within 72 hours of potential exposure, taken for 28 days. Both are highly effective when taken as prescribed.

There's no cure for HIV, but antiretroviral therapy (ART) controls the virus, allowing normal lifespan and quality of life. Treatment typically involves 1-3 pills daily. Starting treatment early and maintaining adherence prevents AIDS, protects the immune system, and prevents transmission. Research into HIV cure and long-acting treatments continues.

CDC recommends everyone aged 13-64 get tested at least once. More frequent testing (every 3-6 months) for those at higher risk: men who have sex with men, people with multiple partners, injection drug users, people with STIs, or those with HIV-positive partners. Early diagnosis enables early treatment, improving outcomes dramatically.