HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that attacks your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off everyday infections and illnesses.
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) refers to a group of serious infections and illnesses that can occur when HIV has severely weakened the immune system.
It’s important to know that AIDS itself cannot be transmitted from one person to another, but HIV, the virus that can lead to AIDS, can be passed between people.
If you’re at high risk for getting HIV, it’s especially important to take proactive steps. For high-risk individuals, taking medicines like PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) can help prevent HIV. People at high risk may include:
- Men who have sex with men.
- People who inject drugs, particularly those who share needles.
- People who have regular unprotected sex with multiple partners (such as sex workers).
If you fall into any of these categories, your healthcare provider can help guide you on the best ways to protect your health. For more details, check out the HIVinfo fact sheets on The Basics of HIV Prevention and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
What does a positive HIV test result mean?
A positive HIV test result means you have HIV, but you can still take important steps to protect your health and the health of your partners. The first step is to talk with your healthcare provider about starting antiretroviral therapy (ART).
What is ART?
In the Philippines, ART involves a combination of daily oral HIV medicines (pills) that help manage HIV infection. These medications are designed to keep the virus under control and allow you to live a long and healthy life.
Why is ART so important?
ART is recommended for everyone living with HIV, and starting it as soon as possible is vital for managing your health. While ART cannot cure HIV, it plays a crucial role in reducing the amount of HIV in your body.
A key goal of ART is to reduce your viral load to an undetectable level.
his means that the amount of HIV in your blood is so low that it can’t be detected by a test. When your viral load is undetectable, you can’t transmit HIV to your HIV-negative partner through sex. This is known as undetectable = untransmittable (U=U), and it’s an important part of managing your health.
Taking ART as prescribed helps you maintain control over your health. If you have any questions or need support, your healthcare provider is there to help you every step of the way. You are not alone, and with the right treatment, you can live a full, healthy life.
Sources:
HIV and AIDS – NHS
HIV Testing Essentials | HIV Testing | Let’s Stop HIV Together | CDC
HIV Testing | NIH
