HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks the body’s immune system. If HIV is not treated, it can lead to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome)

HIV in the body will enter your T-Cells and convert them to HIV cells. T-Cells are what fights off infections in your body. People with low T-Cells have a harder time fighting off simple infections which can lead to opportunistic infections. The HIV virus causes AIDS when your T-CELL count falls below 200.

While there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, there are amazing treatments available for people who live with HIV.

There are 4 fluids that can transmit HIV:

• Blood

• Semen

• Vaginal Fluid

• Breast Milk

One or more of these fluids has to be present for HIV infection to occur. You CAN NOT get HIV through casual contact.

Contact with dried blood, dried semen, or other fluids poses little to no risk. Below are ways that HIV is commonly passed:

• Condomless sex with someone who has a detectable viral load (positive for HIV)

• Mother to child transmission

• Sharing needles or works with someone who has a detectable viral load

Treating HIV has come a long way. Most treatments are now a once a day pill with few side effects.

HIV medication is called antiretroviral therapy (ART).

HIV medication can make the viral load very low (viral suppression). Viral suppression is defined as having less than 200 copies of HIV per milliliter of blood.

HIV medication can make the viral load low enough for it to be called an undetectable viral load.

HIV is measured in the body by a viral load test, and taking HIV medication can lower a viral load making it undetectable.

If an individual who lives with HIV has had an undetectable viral load for 6 months or longer, there is no chance of passing HIV on to others.

Having conversations with your sexual partners regarding knowing their status can help in lowering the probability of transmission.