06.23.26 Public Health Education Topic: HIV/AIDS

Per CDC:

Key points

• HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune system.

• The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.

• There are many ways to prevent HIV, like using PrEP, PEP, condoms and never sharing needles.

• HIV treatment helps people live long, healthy lives and prevents HIV transmission.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body's immune system. Without treatment, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome).

There is currently no effective cure. Once people get HIV, they have it for life. But proper medical care can control the virus.

People with HIV who get on and stay on effective HIV treatment can live long, healthy lives and protect their partners.

Symptoms

Most people have flu-like symptoms within 2 to 4 weeks after infection. Symptoms may last for a few days or several weeks.

Having these symptoms alone doesn't mean you have HIV. Other illnesses can cause similar symptoms.

Some people have no symptoms at all. The only way to know if you have HIV is to get tested.

Prevention

Toay, more tools than ever are available to prevent HIV.

Prevention strategies include:

• Using condoms the right way every time you have sex.

• Never sharing needles, syringes, or other drug injection equipment.

• Using PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis).

If you have HIV, there are many ways to prevent transmitting HIV to others, including taking HIV treatment to get and keep an undetectable viral load.

To learn more visit: About HIV | HIV | CDC