HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS FAQ

• What is HIV/AIDS?

  Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is the virus that can lead to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV, which means that once you acquire HIV you’ll have it for the rest of your life.

  Currently there is no safe or effective cure, but scientists are working hard to find one, and remain hopeful.

  HIV affects specific cells of the immune system, called CD4 cells, or T cells. Over time, HIV can destroy so many of these cells that the body can’t fight off infections and disease. When this happens, HIV infection leads to AIDS.

• How is HIV/AIDS transmitted?

  HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, as well as needle sharing and pregnant person to their newborn. There are five main bodily fluids that can transmit HIV:

  • Blood
  • Semen (includes pre-semen)
  • Vaginal secretion
  • Rectal fluid
  • Breast milk

• How can I tell if I am infected with HIV?

  The only way to know if you are infected with HIV is to get tested. You cannot rely on symptoms to know whether you have HIV. Many people who are infected with HIV do not have any symptoms at all for 10 or more years. Some people who are infected with HIV report having flu-like symptoms (often described as “the worst flu ever”) 2-4 weeks after exposure. Symptoms can include:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat
  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Rash

  These symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. During this time, HIV infection may not show up on an HIV test, but people who have it are highly infectious and can spread the infection to others.

• What can a person do to prevent passing HIV?

  Use Condoms: latex condoms provide excellent protection against HIV during sexual intercourse. The internal condom and polyurethane (plastic) condoms are equally effective.  

  Take PrEP: Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, also known as PrEP, can help prevent HIV. PrEP is used for people who are not living with HIV but may be exposed through sex or injection drug use. It can be administered as an injectable every 2 months or can be taken in pill form daily once a day. 

  Use PEP: Post Exposure Prophylaxis, also known as PEP, can be taken 72 hours after sexual contact with someone who may be living with HIV.  

  Get Tested: Sexually active individuals should get tested every six months to a year.  

  Avoid Sharing Syringes: To prevent passing HIV, do not share needles, or other drug injection equipment. 

  Routine Prenatal Care: If you are pregnant and living with HIV, seek prenatal care early, to prevent passing HIV to their newborn.  
  
  More details about prevention options are listed on our website

• How do I get tested for HIV?

  To get tested for HIV, a person should go to a doctor or health clinic. HIV tests may be performed on a blood or oral fluid. 

  Confidential HIV Testing and STI Screening are available through our sexual health clinic (2525 Grand Ave.) Monday through Friday between 8 am to 4:30 pm. Appointments are highly encouraged, to make an appointment or for any questions please contact our Sexual Health Clinic at 562.570.4180.

  More details about additional testing locations are available on our website.

• What treatment is there for HIV?

  With proper medical care, HIV can be controlled. Treatment for HIV is often called antiretroviral therapy or ART. It can dramatically prolong the lives of many people infected with HIV and lower their chance of infecting others. Before the introduction of ART in the mid-1990s, people with HIV could progress to AIDS in just a few years. Today, someone diagnosed with HIV and treated before the disease is far advanced can have a nearly normal life expectancy.

• What is U=U?

  U=U means staying undetectable means you are untransmittable. An undetectable viral load is when the amount of virus in your blood is so low that a test will not detect it. Taking treatment daily as prescribed can help you achieve an undetectable viral load. People living with HIV who maintain an undetectable viral load cannot sexually transmit to others.

• What Can A Pregnant Person Do To Prevent Passing HIV To Their Baby?

  During pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, HIV can be passed to your baby, known as perinatal transmission. Understanding the risks and taking preventative measures are essential in protecting both pregnant person and baby. Learn more about HIV in Pregnancy.

• Where can I learn more about HIV/AIDS?

  Learn more about HIV/AIDS through: 

  • California Department of Public Health
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Resources

HIV/AIDS FAQ 

HIV/STI Resource Line

Are you a health provider or community member looking for more information about HIV/STIs? Call or submit a question online below:

 Online HIV/STI Resource Line
 (562) 570-4321 Available M-F, 8-5 pm

Any information that you share is 100% confidential