Getting the facts about HIV.
Model portrayals above
Model portrayals above
This Gilead website is intended for U.S. audiences only.
Model portrayals above
Model portrayals above
Unfortunately, there are still many myths about HIV that could leave you feeling overwhelmed and concerned. So, let’s take a moment to answer some of the questions you may be asking to help you feel prepared to manage your HIV.
We have defined some key terms that might be helpful to know as you are starting and sticking with treatment.
While HIV used to be considered a death sentence, today's treatments make it possible for people living with HIV to live longer and healthier lives. People living with HIV can have relationships, raise families, pursue goals, and live their lives. It's never too late to start treatment. But it's important to stick to treatment and take good care of yourself.
HIV and AIDS are not the same thing. HIV is a virus that weakens the immune system. It can cause inflammation and damage inside the body, making it harder for your immune system to fight off other diseases. If left untreated, HIV can eventually lead to AIDS, also known as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Living with HIV does not mean it has to progress to AIDS. Sticking to treatment can help you live a longer and healthier life.
HIV can happen to anyone regardless of assigned sex at birth, gender identity, or sexual orientation. HIV doesn’t change who you are.
HIV cannot be transmitted through touch, tears, sweat, or air. You can get it from blood, semen, rectal fluid, vaginal fluid, or breast milk. And research shows that while taking treatment as prescribed and getting to and staying undetectable is one way to avoid transmitting HIV through sex, there are other prevention methods available. Undetectable means that there is so little virus in the blood that a lab test can’t measure it. Talk to a healthcare provider about other prevention methods that might be right for you.
Today, when taken as prescribed, HIV treatments can help people living with HIV to live longer and healthier lives by lowering the amount of HIV in the body to an undetectable level, which means that there is so little virus in the blood that a lab test can’t measure it. Research shows that getting to and staying undetectable prevents transmitting HIV to others through sex. HIV treatments today also help raise the number of immune cells in the body so people living with HIV can stay strong and healthy.
There are things you should consider to help protect yourself and your baby during pregnancy. The risk of transmitting HIV to your baby can be 1% or less if you take HIV treatment as prescribed throughout pregnancy and delivery and give HIV medicines to your baby for 2 to 6 weeks after birth. The goal of treating HIV while pregnant is getting to and keeping your viral load at an undetectable level to stay healthy and prevent transmission to your baby. Undetectable means that there is so little virus in the blood that a lab test can’t measure it. It is crucial to work closely with your healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcome for both yourself and your baby.
Real person living with HIV.
People featured are compensated by Gilead.
ADRENA: I understand that, you know, you would be afraid of side effects. I was, too.
I just, I didn’t know.
If you have any questions, concerns, talk to your doctor.
Educate yourself about the medication. And then maybe you’ll feel better about it.
You take care of yourself, your body will take care of you. That’s just how I feel about it.
Because you have a longer ... a longer life to live.
Sometimes the best way to educate yourself and others is by having a conversation with a healthcare provider. The right healthcare provider will always have your best interest in mind.
FEATURED VIDEO:
Adrena | I was concerned, too
