Also known as serodiscordant or serodifferent couple. When one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative or infected with different strains of HIV. Thanks to advances in ART and the science behind U=U, Mixed-Status Couples can now safely be intimate, have children, and even breast feed without passing on HIV. For more information, visit Avert.Org. https://www.avert.org/learn-share/hiv-fact-sheets/mixed-status-couples Continue reading Mixed-Status Couple
Also known as MCTC. HIV can be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, labor, delivery or breastfeeding. But ART can lead to undetectable virus levels, and because U=U a mother with undetectable viral levels can’t pass the virus on to her child. Continue reading Mother To Child Transmission
The infections take advantage of a compromised immune system. Some opportunistic infections along with the presence of HIV will mean that a patient has progressed to AIDS. Continue reading Opportunistic Infections
PEP stands for post-exposure prophylaxis and is a medication protocol to prevent people who have been exposed to HIV from getting the virus. For PEP to be effective, it must be started within 72 hours of being exposed to the virus. For more information, visit the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/pep.html Continue reading PEP
PrEP stands for pre-exposure prophylaxis, and is a medication to prevent people from getting HIV. Currently, medication taken daily can prevent HIV transmission. PrEP is recommended for those who are at high risk for acquiring HIV through sex and/or injection drug use. Talk to your medical professional about whether PrEP is right for you. To learn more, visit the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prep.html Continue reading PrEP
A variable that increases the risk of something. For example, smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer. Risk factors for HIV include anal or vaginal sex, unprotected sex, injection drug use, sexually transmitted infection, and other factors. If you are in a high risk group, or engage is high risk activities, consider using PrEP and finding other ways to mitigate your risk. And get … Continue reading Risk Factor
HIV is only transmitted through contact with certain body fluids from a person with HIV who has a detectable viral load. These fluids include blood, semen (cum) and pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids and breast milk. Continue reading Routes of Transmission for HIV
See Mixed-Status Couple. Continue reading Serodifferent
See Mixed-Status Couple. Continue reading Serodiscordant
Sexually transmitted disease. An STD is transmitted through sexual activity, including anal, vaginal, or oral sex. There are many different types of STDs including HIV – some of which can cause cancer. Practicing safer sex options is the best way to protect yourself. STDs can also increase your risk of passing on HIV because it increase the amount of HIV present in certain body fluids. Continue reading STD
