About HIV and AIDS

Understanding HIV and AIDS

HIV

HIV stands for “human immunodeficiency virus.” As the name suggests, it’s a virus that attacks your immune system and makes you vulnerable to other types of infections and diseases.

You can get HIV by coming into contact with certain types of bodily fluids from someone who is infected with the virus. This usually happens through sex or by sharing needles.

When HIV goes untreated, it can lead to the disease AIDS. While there is no cure for HIV, there are effective treatments that reduce the amount of HIV in the body to undetectable levels. When this occurs, HIV can no longer be transmitted through sex. And most important, a long, healthy life becomes possible.

AIDS

AIDS, or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, 
is the disease caused by HIV. AIDS usually only occurs when an HIV infection goes untreated, and the individual’s immune system has become badly damaged.

Without HIV treatment, the life expectancy of someone with AIDS is usually only three years. If they develop an opportunistic infection (such as pneumonia or COVID), that can drop to just one year.

But even at this stage, beginning HIV treatment can be lifesaving. The important thing to remember is that treatment is more effective the earlier it begins.

My journey has been a rollercoaster. But I am living with it, and I am able to live a healthy life. – Kristina M.

My journey has been a rollercoaster. But I am living with it, and I am able to live a healthy life. – Kristina M.

What’s the difference between HIV and AIDS?

HIV

  • human immunodeficiency virus
  • transmitted through certain body fluids
  • if untreated, can lead to AIDS

AIDS

  • acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
  • makes body vulnerable to other types of infections
  • treatment can still be effective

Ways you can’t get HIV

Hugging

YOU CAN’T GET HIV

Shaking Hands

YOU CAN’T GET HIV

Casual Kissing

YOU CAN’T GET HIV

Sharing Towels

YOU CAN’T GET HIV

Sharing Dishes, Glasses & Utensils

YOU CAN’T GET HIV

Using a Common Toilet, Sink, Bath, or Shower

YOU CAN’T GET HIV

Is it safe to be around people with HIV?

Yes! It is impossible to get HIV from socializing with, working with, or being around a person living with HIV.

In fact, there are many more ways that you CAN’T get HIV than ways you can.

HIV CAN’T be spread by

Coughing

Sneezing

Bug Bites

HIV is not transmitted through saliva, sweat, or tears. It is only transmitted through body fluids like blood, semen, and vaginal fluids.

Commonly Asked Questions

HIV is transmitted by coming into contact with certain types of bodily fluids (semen, anal and vaginal secretions, blood, or breastmilk) from someone who is infected with the virus. You can get HIV from:

  • vaginal or anal sex without a condom
  • sharing drug injecting equipment
  • sharing sex toys
  • coming into contact with HIV-infected blood (i.e. through a wound)

Mothers can also transmit HIV to their children during pregnancy. It’s also important to understand how HIV is NOT transmitted. You cannot get HIV from:

  • hugging
  • shaking hands
  • casual kissing
  • sharing towels
  • sharing dishes glasses and utensils
  • using a common toilet, sink, bath, or shower

Preventing the spread of HIV starts with protecting yourself:

  • Use a condom (and use it correctly) every time you have sex.
  • Don’t inject drugs. If you do, always use sterile needles and equipment.
  • If you don’t have HIV, talk to your doctor about getting on a regular schedule of PrEP medications.
  • If you do have HIV, take antiretroviral therapy (ART) medications as prescribed by your doctor.
  • If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about your HIV status (and that of your partner) to ensure you can take the right medicines to keep your baby protected.

Currently, there is no cure for HIV or AIDS. And there is no vaccine that can prevent HIV infection.

However, today’s antiretroviral therapy (ART) medicines have made living a long and health life a possibility for HIV+ individuals. By reducing a person’s viral load to undetectable levels, ART drugs enable their immune system to function normally and fight off opportunistic infections.

While a cure or vaccine may still be years or decades away, we can all take steps today to promote HIV education, testing, and treatment.

HIV affects people of every age. In fact, more than half of the people living with HIV in the United States are
aged 50 or older!

It’s an amazing statistic, and it’s proof of how effective treatments have become. Today, adults on antiretroviral therapy (ART) can virtually eliminate HIV from their bodies and live out full, healthy lives.

Living with HIV presents challenges at any age, including stigma, social isolation, and loneliness. And no
one is immune from the aging process and the health issues it often brings, including cognitive decline and
mobility problems.

When older Americans are diagnosed with HIV, it’s often later in the course of their disease. Sometimes doctors
mistake HIV symptoms for other signs of aging, and they may not test for HIV. When this happens, HIV treatment may be delayed, leading to a shorter lifespan.

No matter your age, everyone should be tested for HIV at least once, and on a regular schedule if you’re sexually
active. If you believe you have been exposed to HIV, see your doctor or visit a health clinic as soon as possible and let them know your concern. Getting tested is the first step to getting treatment.

Yes! Achieving and maintaining U = U status by staying on antiretroviral therapy means that you can live a long and healthy life — working, playing, socializing, and being with family — with confidence and optimism. Remember, HIV ends with U!

DOWNLOAD “ALL THE WAYS YOu CAN’T GET HIV” PDF DOWNLOAD “HIV 101” PDF DOWNLOAD “HIV AND OLDER ADULTS” PDF DOWNLOAD “HIV & U” PDF

Local resources

Counseling & Testing

The RBJ Health Center is part of Austin Public Health and offers a variety of services, including counseling, education, and HIV testing and screening.

learn more
Prescription Assistance

If you need help getting and paying for your prescribed medications, there are local resources available to help.

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Peer Support Group

Any journey is easier when you’re supported by people who’ve made it themselves.

learn more

Local resources

Counseling

The CARE counseling program can help you cope with the stresses of living with HIV.

learn more
Prescription Assistance

If you need help getting and paying for your prescribed medications, there are local resources available to help.

learn more
Peer Support Group

Any journey is easier when you’re supported by people who’ve made it themselves.

learn more