Beyond the Myths_ Essential Facts About HIV_AIDS - Part 2

HIV/AIDS is a serious health condition affecting millions worldwide. Although much progress has been made in preventing and treating HIV/AIDS, there is still a lot of misinformation and stigma surrounding the disease. This article will discuss some important facts about HIV/AIDS that everyone should know.You Can’t Get HIV From Insect Bites or Toilet SeatsThere are many myths surrounding how HIV is transmitted, but it is important to know that you cannot get HIV from insect bites or toilet seats. HIV is primarily transmitted through sexual contact, sharing needles or syringes with someone infected, or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding. It is also possible to get HIV from a blood transfusion or organ transplant from someone infected with HIV, although this is rare in the United States and other developed countries.There Are Several Ways to Prevent HIV TransmissionPreventing HIV transmission is critical to stopping the spread of the disease. There are several ways to prevent HIV transmission, including:

• Using condoms during sexual activity
• Avoiding sharing needles or syringes with someone who is infected
• Taking pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication if you are at high risk of HIV infection
• Taking post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) medication if you are exposed to HIV

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider about the best methods of HIV prevention for you.Medications Can Protect You After a Possible HIV ExposureIf you think you have been exposed to HIV, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Medications, called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), can help prevent HIV infection after a possible exposure. PEP should be started within 72 hours of exposure and taken for 28 days. It is important to note that PEP is not 100% effective and should not be used as a substitute for other HIV prevention methods.HIV Treatment Can Make Your Viral ‘Load’ So Low It’s UndetectableHIV treatment can help people with HIV stay healthy and reduce the risk of transmission to others. When prescribed, HIV medications can lower the amount of virus in the body, known as the viral load, to undetectable levels. This means that the amount of virus in the blood is so low that standard blood tests cannot detect it. People with an undetectable viral load cannot transmit HIV to others through sexual contact.There Are a Few Ways to Get Tested for HIV, Including an At-Home TestGetting tested for HIV is an important step in preventing the spread of the disease. There are several ways to get tested for HIV, including:

• Getting a blood test at a healthcare provider’s office or clinic
• Getting an oral fluid test at a healthcare provider’s office or clinic
• Using an at-home HIV test that can be purchased at a pharmacy or online

It is important to know your HIV status so that you can take steps to protect yourself and others from HIV transmission.ConclusionHIV/AIDS is a serious health condition affecting millions worldwide. It is important to know the facts about HIV/AIDS so that you can take steps to prevent transmission and seek appropriate medical care if needed.Remember, you cannot get HIV from insect bites or toilet seats; there are several ways to prevent HIV transmission; medications can protect you after a possible HIV exposure, HIV treatment can make your viral load so low it’s undetectable, and there are a few ways to get tested for HIV, including an at-home test. By knowing the facts about HIV/AIDS, you can help reduce stigma and promote effective prevention and treatment of the disease.Leeway is one of the top aids care facilities near Connecticut. We are the first and only free-standing skilled nursing center caring for individuals with HIV/AIDS. Get in touch with us.