HIV is not contracted the same way for every person and, treatment is not the same for every person. It is important to learn the basics of HIV, HIV prevention and HIV treatment so you can make informed and healthy decisions for yourself. Together we can Stop the Clock on HIV.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that targets the immune system’s T-cells or CD4 cells. These specific cells are essential components of the body’s immune system that help fight off illness. HIV attacks these cells and ultimately, can destroy so many of them that the body is no longer able to fight off infections and diseases. If HIV progresses to this point, the person will then be diagnosed as having AIDS.

Not everyone who contracts HIV goes on to have AIDS. Treatment is an option to combat the virus. Anyone actively on antiretroviral (ARV) medication and receiving regular medical care can manage their HIV to live out a healthy lifespan and lead a normal life. They can even have children without the risk of spreading the virus to their children. ARVs actually function as an HIV preventative in addition to their use in HIV treatment.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a medical diagnosis of an advanced stage of HIV. A person with HIV gets an AIDS diagnosis if their number of healthy T-cells or CD4 cells present in the bloodstream drops to a low level (below 200), or if they are diagnosed with one of the many opportunistic infections/diseases associated with AIDS.

Common opportunistic infections include tuberculosis, pneumonia, and a variety of cancers, lymphoma, tuberculosis, and Kaposi’s sarcoma. An AIDS diagnosis can only be provided by your health care provider.

HIV is most commonly transmitted through vaginal and anal sex with someone who is not aware of his or her HIV status or actively taking antiretrovirals (ARVs) to treat HIV. There are no documented cases of someone becoming HIV positive through oral sex only.

Beyond sexual transmission, HIV can be spread through sharing needles, syringes and other various drug preparation devices with someone who has contracted HIV and is not properly treating it at the time.

HIV cannot be spread through sharing food, utensils, plates or glasses with someone who has the virus. You cannot contract HIV from holding hands with someone with HIV or through any other form of casual contact. Saliva does not transmit HIV from one individual to the next.

It is important to know that HIV is not transmittable through everyday items or casual contact. HIV cannot be spread through sharing food/utensils, holding hands, closed or open mouth kissing or any other form of casual contact.

Often there are no obvious symptoms of HIV. This means that there is no way to properly be diagnosed with HIV unless you have been HIV tested. Getting tested is the best way to prevent HIV from spreading further and to get treatment in order to improve the health of those who have it.

Below are the most effective ways to prevent HIV:

PrEP:  Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is  a prevention method that involves taking prescription medication once a day to help reduce the risk of passing HIV through sex.    This medication should be taken daily for the most effective protection against the virus. It is only an effective form of preventative medication if it is taken every day before possible exposure to HIV.

Treatment as Prevention: Antiretrovirals (ARVs) are not only used as a treatment for HIV but also can be used to prevent HIV transmission. Sex, needle sharing and mother-to-child HIV transmission are prevented by consistently taking ARVs as prescribed.

Avoid Needle Sharing: Avoiding needles and syringes that have been used by others is essential in preventing HIV transmission. Free, sanitary syringes are offered at health care centers all across the greater Atlanta metropolitan area.

Condoms: Condoms, when used consistently and correctly, are highly effective at protecting against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) including HIV.

There is no known vaccine or cure for HIV or AIDS at this time, but thankfully there are effective forms of treatment. A normal, healthy lifespan is possible for those with HIV through highly-effective treatment with antiretrovirals (ARVs). These treatments additionally help control the transmission of HIV to others. In order to prevent transmission and maintain a healthy lifestyle, individuals with HIV must stick to the medical regimen their health care provider has given them.

The decision of whether or not to tell someone your HIV status is a personal one that you should make on your own, though building a community of support from friends and family surrounding you can aid you in managing your HIV diagnosis. It is important to first consider how your HIV diagnosis will affect the individuals in your life and to ensure that making others aware of your diagnosis will have a safe outcome. Knowing the facts of HIV and how it affects your life specifically can assist you in the process of sharing this news with others, and help you to be able to answer the questions they may have about your diagnosis.

Do not let HIV stand in the way of your ability to live a normal life and have normal relationships including intimate ones. It is important to know your options and the available treatments to ensure yourself a normal, healthy lifestyle.