What is it? Human Immunodificiency Virus (HIV) is a virus that affects the immune system by hijacking and damaging its CD4 cells. If left untreated, the virus continues to attack and destroy healthy immune cells, leaving the immune system unable to fight off other diseases and infections. When this happens, it can lead to late stage HIV, known as AIDS or stage 3 HIV. However, with early detection and treatment, people living with HIV can prevent the replication of HIV in the body, transmission of HIV to others, and retain a healthy immune system so that they can live long and healthy lives.
What are the symptoms? Most people with a positive HIV status do not have any symptoms. However, initial symptoms of HIV may appear after 2-4 weeks and can include: Fever Headache Muscle aches and joint pain Rash Sore throat and painful mouth sores Swollen lymph glands (mainly on the neck)
Diarrhea Weight loss Cough Night sweats
How is it spread?
HIV can be found in blood, semen (cum), and vaginal secretions and is most often transmitted through condomless sex Sharing needles (i.e. tattoo needles) or syringes Getting HIV-infected blood, semen (cum), or vaginal fluids into open cuts or sores on your body A mother can pass HIV to her baby during pregnancy, labor, or breastfeeding
*HIV is spread when someone who has HIV is unaware
they are infected or is not on treatment. You can't get HIV from casual contact, which includes sharing food or drinks, coughing, sneezing, hugging, kissing, holding hands, or sitting on the toilet.
How do I get tested?
HIV testing is done with a blood draw, a finger prick, or on a sample of saliva. Blood draws typically provide results in a few days. Testing from a finger prick provides results within an hour. You can test for HIV at home. Go to oraquick.com/where-to-buy to find out where to get a kit or order a FREE kit at iwantthekit.org. If your test comes back positive, your provider will perform another test to confirm the result and discuss which treatment is appropriate for you. If your test comes back negative and you want to prevent yourself from getting HIV in the future, talk to your provider about PrEP, a prevention plan that includes a daily medication and routine STI screening.
How do I get treated?
There are treatments that help people with HIV live long and healthy lives. It is important to start treatment as soon as possible after being diagnosed with HIV in order to prevent damage to the immune system and to prevent passing the virus to others. When people start treatment as soon as possible after becoming infected with HIV, and continue taking their medication consistently, they can have the same lifespan as someone who is not living with HIV. People living with HIV who are on effective treatment and maintain an undetectable viral load are not able to pass HIV on to others during sex (untransmittable). This is what we call U=U or undetectable equals untransmittable. If you stop treatment, your viral load can increase, making it possible to pass HIV to your sexual partners and damage your immune system.
How do you prevent it? You can prevent HIV by:
Taking the once-daily pill called "PrEP" (ask your provider if this is for you) Using external (male) condoms and internal (female) condoms + lube when having oral, vaginal or anal sex Use new drug tools and works every time –– never re-use or share drug using equipment. Routinely getting tested for STIs Assisting your HIV+ partner(s) maintain an undetectable viral load Having sex with one person who has a HIV negative status and is only having sex with you If you’re exposed to HIV, you can take medication called post-exposure prophylaxis or “PEP" within 72 hours. PEP can be prescribed for you at an emergency room or at a clinic.
Druid Sexual Health Clinic 1515 W. North Ave. (2nd Floor)
Baltimore, MD 21217 (410) 396-0176 Metro Subway: Penn-North Station
Eastern Sexual Health Clinic 1200 E. Fayette St. Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 396-9410 Metro Subway: Shot Tower
Find Us Online health.baltimorecity.gov endhivbaltimore.com uequalsumaryland.com
Updated January 23, 2022