HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that invades and destroys the body’s immune system. AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is the last stage of an untreated HIV infection. In AIDS, the body’s immune system cannot fight against infections that a healthy person would not normally get.
How do I know if I have HIV?
The only way to know is to get tested. It is easy to access HIV testing. You can request it from any health care facility or buy a self testing kit. Later in 2023, two Sunray Drugs locations will be offering free HIV testing:
- Sunray Drugs 52nd and Walnut
142 S 52nd St.
Philadelphia, PA 19139
T: (215)474-4615 - Sunray Drugs K&A
825 E Allegheny Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19134
T: (215)425-7700
Some people may not have any symptoms. Others may experience flu-like symptoms 2-4 weeks after exposure such as:
- Fever
- Chills
- Tiredness
- Muscle pain
- Rash
- Night sweats
- Sore throat
These symptoms may not last long and can be confused with other medical conditions. HIV should not be diagnosed just by symptoms.
Is HIV curable?
There is no cure for HIV. Medications keep the virus under control. Patients need to take medication as prescribed to keep the infection in check. Routine blood tests monitor how well the medications control the virus. People living with HIV can enjoy life as much as general population.
Can I get HIV from…?
There are 4 main ways to get HIV from someone who is infected:
- Having sex without a condom
- Using the same injection equipment
- Transmission from mother to baby
- Infected blood transfusion and organ transplant
You cannot get HIV from:
- Kissing
- Hugging
- Sharing food
- Insects
- Toilet seats
- Bathing
- Sneezes and coughs
- Sweat from someone who has HIV
If someone who is treated and has an ‘undetectable’ viral load, he/she cannot transmit the virus. UNDETECTABLE = UNTRANSMISSABLE (U+U)
For more information about HIV facts and myths, please visit: https://www.avert.org/hiv-transmission-prevention/myths
Is there any way to prevent HIV if I know I may or have been exposed to it?
Medications can prevent you from getting HIV before or after exposure. You may have heard them called PrEP or PEP.
- PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis): Use if you are at risk of HIV due to sex or injection drug use. When taken as prescribed, the medication can reduce the risk of getting HIV up to 99% from sex and at least 74% from injection drug use. Common medications used for PrEP include:
- Apretude® (cabotegravir): an injection given once a month for two doses then every 2 months afterwards
- Descovy® (emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide): an oral medication taken once a day
- Truvada® (emtricitabine/tenofovir disoproxil): an oral medication taken once a day
- PEP (Post-exposure prophylaxis): Use if you been exposed to HIV. This is only used for emergencies and should be taken within 72 hours of the potential exposure. You take these medications for 28 days. You usually take two of these medications. Common medications used for PEP include:
Talk to a healthcare provider or any HIV Prevention Services near you for more information.
I am a person living with HIV; do I need to care if I get another HIV?
HIV has different types, and each type may need to be treated differently. Even if your HIV is well controlled, you still need to be careful not to get another type of HIV which your current medication may not treat.
References:
About HIV/AIDS. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/whatishiv.html. Published July 14, 2020. Accessed August 28, 2020.
HIV transmission & prevention. Avert. https://www.avert.org/hiv-transmission-prevention. Published May 2, 2019. Accessed August 28, 2020.
If you would like to learn more, please see these resources:
HIV Prevention:
Oral Sex and HIV risk
HIV Testing
PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) Information:
Truvada Patient Sheet
PrEP 101
PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) Information:
PEP Information
HIV Information:
Acute HIV Infection Factsheet
Living with HIV
Lifestyle Management
Patient Labs
IV Drug Use and HIV
HIV: The Basics
HIV Life Cycle
HIV and Diabetes
HIV in the LGBTQ+ Community
HIV in Older Adults
HIV and Drug and Alcohol Use
HIV and Injecting Drugs 101
HIV Treatment:
HIV Treatment is HIV Prevention
Side Effects of HIV Medications
AIDS Information:
Opportunistic Infections: Tuberculosis