HIV / AIDS
HIV/AIDS is a serious health condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV is primarily transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse, sharing needles or syringes contaminated with HIV-infected blood, and from mother to child during childbirth or breastfeeding. It can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, although this is rare in countries where blood is screened for HIV.
HIV Precautions
To reduce the risk of HIV transmission, it's important to practice safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly, and to avoid sharing needles or syringes. HIV testing is crucial for early detection and treatment. If you're sexually active, consider getting tested regularly, especially if you have multiple sexual partners or engage in high-risk behaviors.
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a drug that can also be used by HIV-negative people who are at higher risk of contracting HIV.
If you believe you have been exposed to the HIV virus, you can visit a doctor, ER, HIV clinic, or sexual health clinic, and request PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis.) It must be started within 72 hours of exposure, but it can reduce the risk of HIV infection by up to 80% when started promptly and taken correctly.
Living with HIV/AIDS requires ongoing medical care, adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. People with HIV can now live long and healthy lives with proper treatment and support. It's also important to combat HIV stigma and discrimination, and to provide support and understanding to those affected by the virus.
HIV Undetectable Status
HIV undetectable refers to someone who has been previously diagnosed as HIV positive, but whose viral load (the amount of HIV virus cells in the body) is either below a certain number, or entirely undetectable. Research has shown that when this status is maintained for six or more months, the person is not at risk of transmitting the virus via unprotected sex. This it usually a result of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART).
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