Community HIV Network

AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of HIV. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS, leaving the body vulnerable to serious infections and certain cancers.

HIV is only spread through certain body fluids when someone has a detectable viral load. A person with an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit HIV.

Fluids that can transmit HIV include:

• Blood
• Semen (including pre-seminal fluid)
• Vaginal and rectal fluids
• Breast milk

Common ways HIV is transmitted in the U.S.:

• Having anal or vaginal sex without a condom or without using HIV prevention medication like PrEP
• Sharing needles or other injection equipment

HIV is treated with daily medication that reduces the amount of virus in the blood. This treatment helps:

• Strengthen the immune system
• Prevent the progression to AIDS
• Prevent sexual transmission if the viral load is undetectable
• Reduce the risk of passing HIV to babies during pregnancy

There are several ways to protect yourself and others:

• Use condoms or dental dams every time you have sex
• Use water- or silicone-based lubricants to prevent condom breakage
• Don’t share needles or syringes
• Get tested regularly for HIV and other STIs
• Take PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis — a daily pill to prevent HIV) if you’re HIV-negative and at risk
• Take PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis — an emergency pill taken within 72 hours of exposure) if you think you’ve been exposed

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a daily pill or long-acting shot that helps prevent HIV. It’s designed for people who are HIV-negative but may be at higher risk of exposure.

PrEP is highly effective at reducing your risk of getting HIV:

• Reduces the risk of HIV from sex by about 99%
• Reduces the risk from injection drug use by at least 74%
• PrEP does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so condoms are still recommended for full protection.

You may benefit from PrEP if you:

• Have sex with someone who is HIV-positive
• Don’t always use condoms
• Have multiple sexual partners
• Are a man who has sex with men
• Inject drugs or share needles
• Have recently been diagnosed with an STI

Getting started with PrEP is simple and often low or no cost.

Here's how it works:

• Talk to a doctor or clinic: You’ll take a quick HIV test and complete a basic health screening.
• Choose your method: You can take a daily pill (Truvada or Descovy) or get a shot every 2 months (Apretude).
• Stay on track: You’ll need routine checkups every few months for testing and refills.
• Good to know: Most insurance plans cover PrEP. Many clinics offer it for free or at low cost if you qualify.