Here are 9 things you should know about HIV that can help you remain healthy and happy for many years to come, whether you are infected or not.
That’s why it is important that you get tested if you think you could have been exposed. Early treatment, before you become symptomatic, can substantially improve your outcome.
This is true irrespective of your age, sexual orientation, location, income, or immune status.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) issued recommendations that everyone between the ages of 15 and 65 should be screened for HIV as part of their routine medical care. The recommendations were made in line with evidence showing that early initiation of antiretroviral therapy results in fewer HIV- and non-HIV-associated illnesses and reduces the infectivity of a person who has HIV.
Current research has shown that people who are HIV positive who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load eliminate the risk of transmitting HIV to an uninfected partner.
The results have been heralded as a breakthrough under an international public health campaign called “U=U” (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
The evidence-based approach is considered an important part of an overall HIV prevention strategy, which includes the continued consistent use of condoms and a reduction in the number of sexual partners. PrEP is not intended to be used in isolation.
With major advances in ART, as well as other preventative interventions, serodiscordant couples have far greater opportunities to conceive than ever before. Pre-pregnancy and prenatal care can minimize the risk of transmission to both the child and uninfected partner.
Research indicates that condoms can reduce the risk of HIV transmission by 80% to 93%. By comparison, PrEP reduces transmission risk by 75% to 92%, and TasP may altogether erase the risk, but only if the infected partner has an undetectable viral load.
In the effort to ensure affordable access, the FDC has negotiated co-pay and patient assistance programs (PAPs) with most HIV drug manufacturers. Both programs provide assistance to people who meet eligibility criteria based on the annually updated Federal Poverty Level (or FPL).
If you need help with paying for your prescriptions, ask your healthcare provider to refer you to a social worker who can help guide you into the best ways to get prescription drug assistance.
