HIV PREVENTION STARTS
WITH YOU

Taking steps to prevent HIV isn't just about you – it's about ALL people taking care of themselves and, together, creating a healthy community. When you prioritize your own health and have open conversations about HIV prevention, you can also encourage your sexual partners to protect themselves. It's a win-win!

Let’s Get The
Facts Straight

Whether you want to understand how HIV is transmitted or learn what it means for you when a sexual partner is undetectable, getting the facts is the first step toward taking control of your sexual health.

DID YOU KNOW?

HOW HIV LIVES IN THE BODY

HIV is a virus that targets white blood cells, which can affect the strength of your immune system's ability to fight off infection.

If you are living with HIV, thankfully there are many HIV treatment options that can manage your viral load, which is the amount of HIV virus found in your blood. You want your viral load to be as low as possible. When a person living with HIV is on effective medication with an undetectable viral load, they cannot pass on HIV to their sexual partners. This concept is widely known as Treatment as Prevention or Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). People with HIV and undetectable viral loads can have healthy sexual relationships and live long and healthy lives.

U=U

UNDETECTABLE =
UNTRANSMITTABLE

How Is HIV Transmitted?

HIV can only be transmitted through specific bodily fluids of a person living with HIV who has a detectable viral load. These fluids include semen, pre-seminal fluid, rectal fluids, vaginal fluids, blood, and breast milk. This means HIV can be spread through anal sex, vaginal sex, injection drug use (specifically sharing needles or syringes), or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding (perinatal transmission).

HIV is not spread through the air, water, saliva, tears, or sweat. You cannot contract HIV through everyday social interactions like shaking hands or hugging. Sharing toilets, dishes, silverware, or drinking glasses is also completely safe.

DID YOU KNOW?

ANYONE CAN 
CONTRACT HIV

Anyone can get HIV, regardless of their sex or gender. While it's true that certain groups are disproportionately affected, the truth is that anyone can get HIV. Stigma can prevent people from getting tested and treated. But the truth is, HIV prevention is for everyone.

The Reality of New HIV Cases in the U.S.
Among new HIV cases...

~1 IN 5

Young people ages 13–24

22%

Heterosexual men and women

67%

Gay and bisexual men

FAQs

  • Can you get HIV from someone who is undetectable?

    No! If a person living with HIV has undetectable levels of the virus, they cannot transmit it to another person. Undetectable = Untransmittable, or U=U, means that a person living with HIV who has sustained, undetectable levels of HIV in their blood cannot transmit HIV to their sexual partners. This groundbreaking movement has significantly contributed to reshaping perceptions about HIV and encouraging a sense of empowerment for people living with HIV.

  • Are HIV and AIDS the same?

    No. HIV and AIDS are different diagnoses, but they do go hand-in-hand. HIV is a virus that may cause an infection or lead to immune deterioration, while acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is a condition. If left untreated, HIV can develop into AIDS as a result of the body’s severely weakened immune system. AIDS is also known as stage 3 HIV.

Learn More About an HIV
Prevention Option toTAKE CONTROL OF
YOUR SEXUAL HEALTH

Finding Prevention Options That Best Fit Your Lifestyle

There are more ways to prevent HIV than you might think. From pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to condoms to knowing your status, there are many effective ways to protect yourself and encourage your partners and your community to do the same.

BE PrEPARED!

PrEP is a medicine that can substantially reduce the chance of getting HIV through sexual contact when used as prescribed. PrEP does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy, so PrEP should be used in conjunction with other safer-sex practices such as condoms.

LONG-ACTING INJECTABLE PREP

Long-acting injectable (LAI) PrEP allows for much longer time between doses (compared to a daily pill). It involves getting injections from your doctor or care team and is highly effective at preventing HIV when received on the schedule as prescribed.

Get More InfoABOUT AN LAI PrEP

DAILY PREP PILLS

Daily PrEP is a simple yet powerful way to protect yourself from HIV. By taking one pill each day, you can significantly reduce the chance of getting HIV.

ADDITIONAL PREVENTION OPTIONS

FAQs

  • What’s the difference between PEP and PrEP?

    PEP and PrEP are both effective HIV prevention tools, but they're used at different times. PEP is for after a possible exposure to HIV, while PrEP is for before possible exposure. PrEP does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so PrEP should be used in conjunction with other safer-sex practices such as condoms.

  • How often should I get tested for HIV?

    It's a good idea for everyone between 13 and 64 to get tested for HIV at least once as part of their regular checkups. If you are sexually active, you may wish to get tested more often. Think of it as just another part of staying healthy!

  • How do I know which HIV prevention method is best for me?

    The best method depends on your personal lifestyle, preferences, and specific risk factors. There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Your care team can help you weigh options like daily oral PrEP, injectable PrEP, consistent condom use, and regular testing. You and your care team may discuss factors like your relationship status, how often you have sex, whether you prefer a pill or an injection, and your comfort level with different approaches. An open and honest conversation will help in choosing the most effective and sustainable plan for you.

  • What’s the first step I should take if I’m interested in starting PrEP or getting tested?

    The first and most important step is to talk to your care team. This could be your primary care doctor, a doctor at a sexual health clinic, or a community health center. They will discuss your sexual health history, answer your questions, and conduct necessary tests (like an HIV test and kidney function test for PrEP) to ensure these methods are safe and appropriate for you. They can also connect you with resources and support.

Learn More About an HIV
Prevention Option toTAKE CONTROL OF
YOUR SEXUAL HEALTH

Next Steps: Stay Informed with Trusted Resources

HIV prevention is more manageable than ever before. Explore the information and resources available to make informed decisions for your health.