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Getting the facts about HIV.

Getting the facts About HIV

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We know more about treating HIV than ever before

Even today, there are still many myths about HIV and HIV treatments that could cause confusion. 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.

True or False?

  • HIV can affect anyone
  • It’s never too late to start treatment
  • Not all HIV treatments are the same

Read below to learn the answers.

Key terms to know when navigating hiv treatment
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We have defined a few key terms that can be helpful to know as you are starting and sticking with treatment.

View HIV treatment terms
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Some questions you may have:

Today’s treatments make it possible for people living with HIV to live longer and healthier lives than at any time in the past. 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 age, race, assigned sex at birth, gender, or sexual orientation. HIV doesn’t change who you are.
HIV cannot be transmitted through touch, tears, sweat, or air. It can be transmitted through 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 prevent 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.
Yes. 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 you and your baby.
No, not all HIV treatments are the same. There are many different types of treatment options. Treatments may be made up of different medicines, have different instructions on how to take them, and have different kinds of side effects. Work with your healthcare provider to find a treatment that works best for you.
No, HIV treatments can’t cure HIV, but they can help people live longer and healthier lives and reduce the risk of HIV being transmitted to sexual partners. When taken as prescribed, HIV treatments can help lower 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. Current research shows that taking HIV treatment as prescribed and getting to and staying undetectable prevents transmitting HIV through sex.
No, HIV treatment and PrEP are not the same. PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, is a medicine people can take before they’re exposed to HIV to help reduce their chances of getting it. When taken as prescribed, PrEP can be highly effective at preventing HIV.

HIV treatment is medicine that is prescribed after someone is diagnosed with HIV. When taken as prescribed, HIV treatment can help reduce 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.
DoxyPEP, or doxycycline post-exposure prophylaxis, is a medicine that can help prevent bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs), like chlamydia, syphilis, and gonorrhea. DoxyPEP does not provide protection against STIs caused by viruses, like HIV. DoxyPEP can be taken by some people living with HIV, but it is not recommended for everyone. If you’re interested in learning more about DoxyPEP, talk to your healthcare provider.

People featured are compensated by Gilead.

HIV: Treatment Truth

The world’s understanding of HIV can be outdated and clouded by stigma…but yours doesn’t have to be. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed with HIV or have been on treatment for a while—know this: HIV treatment has come a long way.

Today’s treatments are effective, and some could be started the same day as diagnosis. Work with your provider to learn more about the different treatment options. Your provider can help you find one that helps you manage your HIV and achieve treatment goals. Because a longer, healthier life is possible by starting and staying on an effective treatment.

Have you been diagnosed with HIV and wondering, “What now?” Take charge by starting a conversation with a healthcare provider today. Find helpful information and resources at HelpStopTheVirus.com

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HIV: Treatment Truth

Even today, there can be a lot of misinformation and stigma surrounding HIV. But you can help make a change by educating yourself and others on the real facts about HIV and HIV treatments.

Learn how hiv works