Although the United States has made significant progress in fighting the HIV/AIDS crisis, it is far from over. With the current presidential administration's hostile plans towards DEI and public health, Pride & Plasma is here to compile resources on HIV previously accessible through the federal government's website, but now under threat. ​
Topics:
Overview: Terms | Transmission | Symptoms | AIDS | Treatment | U=U | Testing | Diagnosis | Prevention
Policy: Policies & Legislation | Ryan White | History | Global
Further Resources

*Topics will be bold & hyperlinked when resources have been compiled and are accessible*
Overview:
  • What is HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A virus that attacks the immune system’s CD4 Cells. HIV is an infection of international concern.
Terms:
  • Virus: a virus is an infectious agent. Viruses are not living as opposed to bacteria and fungi, and replicate by utilizing a host’s cells. 
  • ​Transmission: the route or process of spreading infection
  • Immune System: the set of cells, tissues, and organs within the body that fight against infections. The immune system is composed of white blood cells, one of which is CD4 T lymphocyte (helper T cells) cells. 
  • CD4 Cells: CD4s are white blood cells that trigger an immune response. When an individual has a lower than typical CD4 level, they are unable to start immune responses, which allows infections to progress and grow.
  • Prophylaxis: prevention. With medications, these are taken to prevent infection, illness, or other adverse effects; as opposed to treating existing illnesses.
Transmission:
  • Transmission: HIV can be transmitted through blood, semen, rectal and vaginal fluids. This includes sharing needles and kissing with bleeding gums.
  • HIV cannot be transmitted by regular kissing, touching (skin-to-skin contact)
  • AIDS cannot be transmitted, only HIV can
Symptoms:
  • Symptoms: some individuals have no symptoms.
  • Early Symptoms: some individuals have flu-like symptoms (body aches, fever, sore throat, rash, swollen lymph nodes).
  • Prolonged Symptoms: If HIV progresses without treatment, the virus can lead to cancers, opportunistic infections (infections that only occur in individuals without a sufficient immune system), and death.
AIDS:
  • AIDS: AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is a diagnosis of the progression of HIV, not a separate infection. Once an individual’s CD4 cell count falls below <200 cells/mL (a typical range is 500-1500 cells/mL).
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Treatment:
  • Treatment: HIV is treated with ART (Antiretroviral Therapy). These medications that prevent the replication of the virus within your body. These medications are so effective, that when taken as prescribed, the virus will decrease to a level that is undetectable by lab tests. 
U = U:
  • U=U: Undetectable means untransmittable. When individuals who are HIV+ are on medication, and their viral load is undetectable, they cannot transmit HIV through sex. 
Testing:
  • Testing: HIV is primarily tested through a blood test, but also may be conducted via spit or swab. The fastest of these can detect HIV within 10-33 days of contact with the virus. Some results can give you a result within minutes. 
Diagnosis:
  • HIV is diagnosed with a blood or other diagnostic test. 
  • AIDS is diagnosed by a CD4 Count of <200 cells/mL, and/or the presence of an opportunistic infection. 
Prevention:
  • Prevention: You can reduce your risk of HIV and other STIs by using condoms, getting tested, and having conversations about your status. There are also medications that can help lower your risk.
  • PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis): PrEP is a class of medications that when taken as prescribed helps prevent HIV infections, and are taken before potential exposure to the virus. There are oral and injectable options, and you should talk to your primary care providers about medications to reduce your risk.
  • PEP for HIV (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis): PEP is a class of medications that are taken to prevent progression to HIV infection after potential exposure. PEP medications must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) of exposure and continued for 28 days.  
Further Resources: