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 living with HIV. 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 to sexual partners. 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), that can drop to just one year. Still, beginning HIV treatment at this stage can be lifesaving. 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 a person living with HIV. You can get HIV from:

  • vaginal or anal sex without a condom
  • sharing drug injecting equipment
  • sharing sex toys
  • coming into contact with the blood of a person living with HIV (i.e. through a wound)
  • Without proper treatment, mothers can transmit HIV to their children during pregnancy

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 protect your baby.

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 healthy 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.

This is proof of how effective treatments have become. Today, adults on antiretroviral therapy (ART) can virtually eliminate HIV from their bodies and live full, healthy lives.

On its own, aging can lead to an increased risk of chronic conditions like mobility issues and cognitive decline, but aging with HIV can present additional challenges. People living with HIV are more likely to experience age related conditions, even at an earlier age than their peers, because of chronic inflammation that HIV causes in their bodies.

When older individuals are diagnosed with HIV, it is 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, which leads to worse health outcomes.

No matter your age, it is important to get on treatment and stay on treatment if you are a person living with HIV. With today’s medications, people can live long and happy lives despite an HIV diagnosis, and your HIV care provider can work with you to make sure your medical and nonmedical needs are met.

Everyone should be tested for HIV at least once, and sexually active individuals should setup a regular testing schedule. People with multiple sexual partners or engaging in certain types of sex should get tested more often than others. It is important to talk with your provider about HIV to see what testing schedule is right for you.

If you believe you’ve been exposed to HIV, PEP is a medication that can be effective at preventing HIV but is only effective for the first 3 days after exposure. You can get PEP at most urgent care centers and emergency rooms. If you were exposed before this window, talking to a medical provider is important for knowing when you should get tested.

Yes! Achieving and maintaining U = U status by staying on antiretroviral therapy (ART) 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.

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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