1 of 14 / Overview
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What Is HIV?
If you're just beginning to learn about HIV and AIDS, this is a good place to start.
HIV vs. AIDS
HIV is a virus. It may cause AIDS after you’ve been infected for several years and it’s weakened your immune system.
Types and Strains of HIV
There are two main types of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -- HIV-1 and HIV-2. Both can lead to AIDS.
The Stages of HIV
Untreated HIV generally progresses through different stages and, eventually, to AIDS.
2 of 14 / Symptoms
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What Are the Symptoms of HIV?
Learn about early and late symptoms of HIV and AIDS.
Don't Wait for HIV Symptoms
HIV doesn’t affect everyone the same way. Some people notice signs soon after they get the virus. Others don’t.
HIV Symptoms in Men
Most of the time, the signs of HIV are the same for men and women. But there are a few symptoms that are unique to men.
HIV Symptoms in Women
The symptoms of HIV are mostly the same for men and women. But there are a few signs that happen only in women.
3 of 14 / Causes & Risks
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What Are Your Chances of Getting HIV?
HIV can affect anyone, no matter your age, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. But certain things make your risk go up.
Needle Stick Injury: What to Do
About 1 out of 300 health care workers accidentally stuck with a needle from someone with HIV get infected.
HIV: What to Know About Needle Sharing
Needle sharing is the second biggest risk for HIV. About 1 in 10 new HIV infections happen in people who inject drugs.
Can You Spread HIV With an Undetectable Viral Load?
When you have HIV, your viral load is the amount of virus in your blood and body fluids.
4 of 14 / Screening & Testing
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HIV Screening: What to Know
Research shows that routine HIV screening can help curb the virus from spreading.
First Steps if You Think You've Been Exposed to HIV
Exposure doesn’t automatically mean infection. But you should act quickly to lower your chances of getting HIV.
HIV Testing
HIV testing, also called HIV screening, is the only way to know if you have the virus.
HIV: How to Get a Free Test
HIV tests are now easy to get and affordable. But if money is tight, a free HIV test is the way to go.
5 of 14 / Diagnosis
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What to Do After Being Diagnosed as HIV-Positive
If you've just found out that you're HIV-positive, you may feel overwhelmed, fearful, and alone. But you’re far from alone.
Newly Diagnosed: What You Need to Know About HIV
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about a new HIV diagnosis.
Next Steps After an HIV-Positive Diagnosis
Finding out you have HIV can jolt your world. Fortunately, it can be a manageable long-term condition.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About HIV/AIDS
A diagnosis of HIV or AIDS can be overwhelming. You might forget to ask your doctor about things that have come up.
6 of 14 / Treatment
View AllHow to Treat HIV
There's no cure for HIV, but treatment options are much better than they were a few decades ago.
HIV Treatment Team
Many different medical professionals provide care, comfort, and treatment for people with HIV.
What to Know About the CD4:CD8 Ratio Test
The CD4:CD8 ratio test judges the strength of your immune system and if you're at risk for opportunistic infections.
What Does an HIV Treatment Plan Look Like?
With an HIV diagnosis, you’ll want to start treatment right away. Early treatment gives you the chance to stay healthy.
7 of 14 / How HIV Affects the Body
View AllEffects of HIV on the Body
As HIV weakens your natural defenses, you might notice signs all over your body.
HIV and Heart Disease: What's the Link?
You’re more likely to have heart disease if you have the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS.
HIV and High Cholesterol
If you have HIV, your risk of high cholesterol goes up. We need more research to understand the link between the two.
HIV and High Blood Pressure
Without HIV, there’s about a 30% risk you’ll get hypertension sometime in life. If you’re HIV-positive, that goes up to 35%.
8 of 14 / Opportunistic Infections
View AllWhat Opportunistic Infections Do You Get With HIV?
Untreated HIV, over the course of years, will harm your immune system and can lead to opportunistic infections.
Chronic HIV Infection: What to Know
The illness known as HIV/AIDS happens in three stages: acute HIV infection, chronic HIV infection, and AIDS.
Pneumocystis Pneumonia (PCP)
Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) is a serious infection that causes inflammation and fluid buildup in your lungs.
Tuberculosis in People With HIV
Someone infected with both HIV and tuberculosis is at least 10 times more likely to develop active tuberculosis.
9 of 14 / Complications
View AllDangerous Complications of HIV and AIDS
If you live with an advanced case of HIV, you can be an easy target for different infections and diseases.
Kaposi’s Sarcoma (KS)
Kaposi’s sarcoma is a cancer in which tumors grow below the surface of your skin and in your mouth, nose, eyes, and anus.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) and HIV
NHL can happen more quickly when you have a weakened immune system, so people with HIV are more likely to get it.
What is Lymphocytopenia?
Lymphocytopenia is a condition in which your blood does not have a sufficient amount of white blood cells.
10 of 14 / Living With
View AllHIV and Lifestyle Changes
You can live a normal life with HIV. With your doctor’s help and advice, you can take steps to stay as healthy as possible.
Nutrition and HIV/AIDS
Tuning up your diet can improve your health and help you feel better. Here are a few tips to start.
Garlic and HIV: What You Should Know
If you take a certain drug for HIV, there's a chance that garlic supplements could stop it from working well.
HIV: What to Know About Taking Vitamins and Supplements
There’s evidence that some supplements may be beneficial for people with HIV. But some may be especially risky.
11 of 14 / Dating & Relationships
View AllSafe Sex When You’re HIV-Positive
If you are HIV-positive, you can still have sex. In some cases, you can even have unprotected sex without putting your partner at risk.
How to Protect Your Partner When You Have HIV
Learning that you have HIV doesn’t have to bring your sex life to a stop.
Tips for Dating When You're HIV-Positive
You can still have relationships and a sex life when you're HIV-positive. You just need to be a little more careful.
HIV in Men Who Have Sex With Men: What to Know
If you are a man who has sex with men, you might be at greater risk forgetting HIV, the virus causes AIDS.
12 of 14 / Support & Resources
View AllHIV-Positive: Know Your Rights and Find Support
Many groups can help connect you to medical, financial, and emotional support if you have HIV.
What to Do About Discrimination Because of HIV
All too often, people with HIV become targets of judgment, when what they need is support and compassion.
Federal Disability Insurance When You Have AIDS
What do you do when you can't hold a job because of AIDS? Disability insurance pays you regularly when you can't work.
HIV Disclosure: What Does the Law Say?
Your HIV status is personal medical information. There are laws that protect the privacy of your health information.
13 of 14 / Prevention
View AllHow Can You Prevent an HIV Infection?
Condoms are the best way to prevent HIV because the virus can't pass through the barrier. You must use them correctly.
Dental Dam
A dental dam is a square, stretchy sheet made from latex or polyurethane. It blocks the body fluids that can spread STDs.
HIV: What Is Treatment as Prevention?
HIV treatment as prevention means a person living with HIV takes meds to prevent passing the virus to someone without it.
FAQ: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV
PrEP means pre-exposure prophylaxis. It's a pill or injection you take when you don't have HIV but are likely to get it.
14 of 14 / Appointment Prep
View AllSuggested Reads about HIV & AIDS
10 Ways to Control Complications and Age Gracefully with HIV
HIV infection is associated with the early appearance of heart, lung, kidney, liver, and bone disease. Find out the ways to control them and age gracefully.
10 Tips for Dating When You’re HIV Positive
Find out what you need to know about dating when you’re HIV positive, and discover how to stay safe.
10 Ways to Take Care of Your Mental Health When Being Treated for HIV
Learn 10 ways you can take care of your mental health when you're being treated for HIV.
Starting a Family When You Have HIV
There are many ways to start a family when living with HIV. Taking your medication is the first step.
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